Flyweight: Igor Cogumelo vs Jhonata Silva
Tale of the Tape
20-years-old
5’7″
Bauru, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Chute Boxe João Emilio
7-0
3 KO/TKOs, 4 Submissions
Combined opponent’s record: 26-8
26-years-old
5’5″
Ramos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Nova Uniao
8-1
5 KO/TKOs, 1 Submission
Combined opponent’s record: 20-4
Pros and Cons
Igor Cogumelo
Pros
- Submission threat
- Improved(ing) wrestling
- Dangerous guillotine
- Solid ground and pound
- Scrambles well
Cons
- Can be submission before position
- Puts himself in bad positions
- Striking defense lacks
Jhonata Silva
Pros
- Dangerous in explosions
- Deceptive power
- Good volume
- Chopping leg kicks
- Scrambles well
- Dangerous sneaky head kick
- Good counter striker
- Good bodywork
- Solid kickboxing
- Explosive
- Good cardio
Cons
- Weak TDD
- Head sits on the centerline at times
Who has the advantage?
Striking: Silva
Speed: Silva
Output/Volume: Silva
Kickboxing: Silva
Striking defense: Even
Footwork/movement: Cogumelo
Wrestling: Cogumelo
Grappling: Cogumelo
Gas tank: Silva
Prediction: Cogumelo is coming into this fight riding a lot of hype. Rightfully so as he became the youngest person to win a Jungle Fight title at just 19. He’s still 20 and is still the current champ. Many fans label Cogumelo the best flyweight prospect out of Brazil. Starting his MMA career as a child without any amateur experience he’s done an outstanding job. He doesn’t have a notable win but has never fought a guy with a losing record.
Silva isn’t as talked about due to his inactivity. He’s only fought once in the last four years. Helping his case, that win last March came to a good fighter in Stipe Brcic. Silva usually weighs under 125 having fought at 115 in the past. He’s actually a former Shooto Brasil strawweight champion.
Cogumelo is the popular pick but to me, I’m not too impressed. When watching him I can tell how young he is and still how raw he can be. He’s extremely talented but he’s not put it together quite yet. I’m very impressed with what I’ve seen from Silva. His biggest concern is his takedown defense and against Cogumelo that’s a problem. The thing is Silva is never complacent and does a great job working back to his feet. I’m picking Silva because I think he can keep this fight standing and win the striking exchanges.
