UFC 286 is a rare PPV touching down in London, England, and represents a big card headlined by England’s own welterweight champion Leon Edwards. In the rubber match of their trilogy, he’ll look to defend his crown against rival ex-champ Kamaru Usman. Outside of that main event, and a red-hot Gaethje-Fiziev co-feature, the card sees a few Contender Series fighters debuting and an abundance of highly anticipated UFC newcomers. One of the most anticipated debuts is Sam Patterson, who won his contract from the Contender Series last season. Fighting him is another debutant, Yanal Ashmoz
Yanal “Red Fox” Ashmoz
Standing at five-foot-nine
Fighting at 155 lbs (lightweight)
27-years-old
Fighting out of Kfar Kama, Israel
Training out of Danny Hazan Academy
A pro record of 16-4-1
3 KO/TKOs, 2 Submissions
What’s Ashmoz’s ceiling in the UFC:
Ashmoz becomes the second fighter from Israel to be on the UFC level behind Natan Levy. MMA in Israel is still growing and Ashmoz is leading the charge. Although he’s from Israel he’s been fighting in the US. He’s fought for Ring of Combat, PFL, and CFFC previously.
Ashmoz on the feet is basically overhands and kicks. He throws some heavy leg kicks but they aren’t set up throwing single kicks. He lacks using any feints at all just loading up and throwing wild. His explosive burst are fun as he will chuck rights and lefts. Not technical in the slightest but if you don’t have the proper footwork you can be in trouble. Ashmoz is reckless when he comes forward throwing wild and he’s been easy to counter. Where he ducks his head when he comes in he is vulnerable to a knee up the middle. He’s taken a few big shots but has taken everything with no problem. Ashmoz has power in his hands but a good striker should be able to jab him from a distance and counter him on the way in.
Ashmoz has used more of his wrestling lately in his last two fights. The takedowns are one thing but the ground and pound have been where he’s best. Ashmoz has good wrestling in terms of mixing it up but I don’t rate it too highly. Even his grappling isn’t great. He’s active with damage but the Jiu-Jitsu isn’t there.
How he matches up with Patterson:
Patterson is more appealing with a better overall game. He’s better in every area than Ashmoz. The only worry is Patterson holds his chin high and it’s a matter of time before he gets knocked out.
With Patterson’s use of length and distance control I look for him to pick away and frustrate Ashmoz on the outside. Patterson could just take the fight down and use his superior grappling. I like Patterson in this fight but it’s going to be tense the whole fight.
