Welterweight, Kaleb Rideout (6-2)
Pros
- Solid jab
- Uses feints well
- Fights long very well
- Good movement
- Explosive
- Hits hard
Cons
- Deceptive to leg kicks
- Questionable submission defense
- Easier to hit as the fight goes
Rideout is a six-foot-two welterweight who has also fought at lightweight and is only 24-years-old and that would get any talent scout interested. He’s been fighting since he was 18 dating back to his amateur debut in 2016. He’s had a few setbacks but he’s won his last four fights.
If anything Rideout is a guy you want to tune in to watch every time he fights. With his long frame it’s always nice to see someone know how to use their length. Rideout has a strong long jab and throws a lot of kicks. He’s got the knockout power in his hands and his kicks. He’s also explosive as shown when he smells blood in the water. Rideout does a real good job at controlling the range and is tricky with what he’s going to throw.
Offensively, at least with striking Rideout is solid but defensively everywhere there are problems. His striking defense tends to weaken as the fight goes. A lot of times when he gets hit hard he’ll charge forward and that could be a problem. His takedown defense looks good but when he is off his back he puts himself in bad positions. It’s nothing that’s majorly concerning but needs to be watched for.
Rideout has all the abilities to turn into a top-ranked fighter. As of right now he brings that Niko Price vibe; being just a violent fan-friendly fighter. Nothing wrong with that and if that’s at least what we get out of him that’s great. I do think Rideout has way more qualities than deficiencies and being so young I have high hopes.
