Respecting (and Scouting) Older MMA Prospects

Jonas Bilharinho
Featherweight
11-2-1
Brazil
33

Bilharinho has had some setbacks and getting up in there in age but puts on fun fights and has been a staple in Brazil. He’s won his last two and can’t be far away from another big opportunity. Bilharinho is an absolute sniper with an incredible sixth-sense-like ability to finish the fight. He’s a master of the range being able to control the distance. Bilharinho throws laser straight punches and a very quick left kick to the body. Bilharinho is very technical and still explosive when he wants to be.

Denis Lavrentyev
Bantamweight
13-3
Russia
34

Lavrentyev competed at a high level in Judo. He’s a former Russian National champion. Along with various national championships, he won gold in the Pan American and World Championship level as well. When it comes to his skill set, Lavrentyev has ever-improving striking. He’s not someone that’s going to go out there and put on a boxing clinic, but rather put on pressure and pick his shots. His judo plays a big factor in his success. His MMA wrestling is fine, but getting into the clinch and creating trips/sweeps he does so well.