Featherweight: Balajin Vs. Keisuke Sasu
Tale of the Tape
Qingdao, Shandong, China
30-years-old
5’9″
23-3
15-fight win streak
Kanagawa, Japan
28-years-old
5’7″
9-2-1
No win streak
Pros and Cons
Balajin
Pros
- Good wrestling
- Physically strong
- Good movement
- Submission threat
- Moves well on top
- Good in the clinch
- Active ground and pound
Cons
- Loses grappling positions at times
- Rushes in at times
- Telegraphs his punches at times
Keisuke Sasu
Pros
- Solid wrestling
- Excellent trip takedowns
- Hits hard
- Physically strong
- Good back take
Cons
- Flat-footed
- Lacks head movement
- TDD needs work
Prediction: Sasu fought in the first round of the tournament and lost to Yi Zhi in that first round. For some reason, Sasu is getting another shot in a non-tournament bout in an attempt to impress the UFC brass.
I don’t think this is a favor for Sasu as it’s more so a fight for Balajin to use to get his name out there. Balajin has some impressive wins but a lot of the guys he’s fought were designed to boost his record. Still, Balajin is a good prospect and looks like he could compete in the UFC today.
Sasu is also good but I think if he can get taken down and submitted easily by Zhi then Balajin should be able to do the same. Sasu is more of a wrestler/grappler himself but Balajin is the bigger stronger guy. It’s a bit hidden but I believe Balajin has some solid striking when he decides to use it. I think Balajin is better everywhere and he probably finishes Sasu inside two rounds.
