Lightweight: Nurullo Aliev Vs. Josh Wick
Tale of the tape
22-years-old
5’10”
Tajikistan/Russia
Sanford MMA
6-0
1 KO/TKO
Combined opponent’s record: 29-9-2
27-years-old
5’9″
Boise, Idaho, US
Elevation Fight Team
12-5
3 KO/TKOs, 7 Submissions
Combined opponent’s record: 59-23
Pros and Cons
Nurullo Aliev
Pros
- Smothering top control
- Good wrestling
- Relentless grappling pressure
- Strikes to wrestle well
- Good ground and pound
Cons
- Labored striking
- Wide striking
- Slows as the fight goes
Josh WickPros
- Submission threat
- Solid kickboxing
- Dangerous off his back
- Damaging chopping leg kicks
- Good movement
Cons
- TDD needs work
- Throws single strikes at times
- Head is a bit stationary
- Easily pressed back
Who has the advantage?
Striking: Wick
Speed: Wick
Output/Volume: Wick
Kickboxing: Wick
Striking defense: Even
Footwork/movement: Wick
Wrestling: Aliev
Grappling: Aliev
More likely to finish on the mat: Aliev
Gas tank: Even
Prediction: There is a lot of hype coming from Aliev ahead of this fight but none of it is from me. I will say his wrestling, pressure, and ground game are at a higher level. However I do feel he’s not as good as some think and I see him struggling if he was to get in the UFC.
I’ve enjoyed myself more watching Wick fight but styles make fights and this is a tough one for him. Wick is the better all-around fighter but his takedown defense and inability to deal with pressure will be his downfall. I see Aliev winning minutes pressuring Wick putting him against the cage and scoring takedowns and top position. If he doesn’t finish the fight I think he will do enough to get the nod from the judges.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntl0pAgmYxI
