Road to UFC 2: Episode 2 Breakdown and Predictions

By
Shawn Bitter
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Featherweight, Kouya Kanda Vs. Yibugele

Tale of the tape

Kouya Kanda
Abiko, Chiba, Japan
27-years-old
5’11”
11-4
Three-fight win streak
Combined opponents’ record: 95-52-12
Yigugele
Jiangsu, China
33-years-old
5’9″
22-11-1, 1 NC
Six-fight win streak
Combined opponents’ record: 133-103-4

Pros and Cons

Kouya Kanda

Pros

  • Good use of range
  • Slick pull-counter
  • Good wrestling
  • Quick level changes
  • Good leg kicks
  • Good right hand

Cons

  • Head sits on the centerline at times
  • Vulnerable in heavy exchanges
  • Low volume
  • Questionable chin
  • Well-conditioned
  • Too patient

Yibugele

Pros

  • Good footwork
  • Precise
  • Good takedown defense
  • Dictates the pace
  • Good left hand

Cons

  • Questionable chin
  • Vulnerable when rushing forwards

Prediction: I watched every fight possible on Yibugele and I still don’t know how to read him. He’s competent everywhere the fight can go. Defensively he’s 50/50. TDD is good at times though it seems he struggles with takedowns against the cage more. His head movement is good but his chin isn’t the best if he gets clipped.

Kanada is frustrating to watch because he is talented but doesn’t open up nearly enough. On the other side, Yibugele doesn’t open up enough cause he can get caught. Talent wise I think Kanada is better but it’s a tough fight to call. I’m siding with Kanada because I see him being more active and using his range to control the fight.

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