After their debut in 2020, Bellator MMA missed heading back to France last year, thanks to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This Friday, they finally return to Paris, and bring some hot prospects with them. We’re back with our Weekly MMA Prospect Report!
Bellator 280 | Paris | Friday
Light heavyweight, Alex Polizzi (10-1)
Polizzi has the recipe to be a big prospect in the 205lb weight class. His only loss is to a top guy in Julius Anglickas. Polizzi was a D1 wrestler at Northwestern University from 2010-2015 and was a state champion. Polizzi needs work on his stand-up but his wrestling and athleticism have taken him far. His ground and pound along with an overall good ground game is top-notch. He fights the very dangerous Yoel Romero (13-6).
Featherweight, Fabacary Diatta (8-0)
Diatta is a very good prospect that has a win over the Cage Warriors bantamweight champion Dominique Wooding. Diatta is a technical striker, on the feet being where he’s more confident, but will score a few takedowns in a fight. He constantly is throwing combinations with his hands and throwing kicks behind his punches. He’s a well thought out, picks-his-spot striker, with that being a reason he’s gone the distance five times. Diatta fights Jordan Barton (6-2-1).
Lightweight, Soren Bak (15-1)
With one blemish on his record, Soren Bak has been an absolute force dominating in all of his wins. He doesn’t have much in the stand-up department, but he’s been improving and has shown glimpses of power in his hands. The wrestling and the grappling though is outstanding with an incredible top game, with vicious ground and pound and natural skills to pass guard. Bak has six submissions and has shown a diverse attack once he gets the fight to the mat. “The True Viking” is also a very smart but aggressive fighter who could have a bright future if he stays active. He fights Charlie Leary (17-12-1).
LFA 131 | US | Friday
Bantamweight, Daniel Argueta (7-0)
Argueta is mostly known for his time on The Ultimate Fighter Season 29. Of all the fighters on that season, Argueta has the most potential. After wrestling in high school Argueta went on to wrestle Division II for the University of Wisconsin. Argueta’s constant forward pressure, his wrestling, pace, jiu-jitsu, and the gas tank are going to give a lot of guys problems. With every fight he gets he’s looked more and more ready for a big opportunity. He fights Diego Silva (14-6).
Middleweight, Roland Dunlap (3-0)
Dunlap is a 6’3″ wrestler won two state titles in high school and had a career record of 159-9. He went on to be a three-time All-American and wrestled D3. Even with his extensive wrestling background he fights out of a classic karate stance. “The Dream” fights very loosely and very long. He’ll throw a lot of kicks and he’ll attack with both legs. Where Dunlap shines is when he uses his wrestling. Dunlap does nice work changing levels as his opponents come forward to engage. He sneaks under punches to get a hold of the legs to lift guys up and slam them to the mat. Dunlap fights Hamza Salim (5-4).
PFL 2022 #3 | US | Friday
Welterweight, Jarrah Hussein Al-Silawi (17-3)
Jarrah Hussein Al-Silawi is well-rounded with exceptional cardio. On the feet, once he gets warmed up, he’s a skilled striker. I like the way he kicks the legs after combinations. His striking defense could be better and so could his takedown defense but I think he’s at his best on the mat. He has five submissions and can threaten from both the top and bottom. Al-Silawi has good jiu-jitsu and while he is a bit more of a slower fighter, he has good technique. He fights Gleison Tibau (36-15).
Eternal MMA 65 | Australia | Friday
Lightweight, Josh Kuhne (3-0)
It’s hard to get a good read on Kuhne because his fights end so quickly. The storm he brings right out of the gate is so heavy his opponents so far simply couldn’t withstand it. Kunhe has massive power in both his hands and knees. So much is unknown about him but putting on a show is what he’s all about. There is a reason they call him Kamikaze. Kuhne fights Dimps Gillies (5-4).
