Welterweight: Raimond Magomedaliev Vs. Mauricio Ruffy
Tale of the Tape
33-years-old
6’1″
Moscow, Russia
Krepost Fight Club
10-1
5 KO/TKOs, 2 Submissions
Combined opponent’s record: 87-30
30-years-old
5’11″
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Fighting Nerds
8-1
8 KO/TKOs
Combined opponent’s record: 61-25
Pros and Cons
Raimond Magomedaliev
Pros
- Good kickboxing
- Good leg kicks
- Solid defensive wrestling
- Diverse
- Improved TDD
- Effective clinchwork
- Scrambles well
- Submission threat
Cons
- Poor cardio
- TDD needs a little work
Mauricio Ruffy
Pros
- Good use of range
- Accurate
- Dangerous counter striker
- Explosive
- Athletic
- Dynamic
- Long jab
- Good kickboxing
- Improved TDD
Cons
- Hands low
- Questionable chin
Who has the advantage?
Striking: Ruffy
Speed: Magomedaliev
Output/Volume: Ruffy
Kickboxing: Ruffy
Striking defense: Even
Footwork/movement: Ruffy
Wrestling: Magomedaliev
Grappling: Magomedaliev
Gas tank: Ruffy
Prediction: This is a very interesting and exciting fight. The matchmakers did a fantastic job with this one. Both these guys have had setbacks but have come a long way. Magomedaliev lost his only fight to James Nakashima. After that, he’s been performing much better and has won his last five. Ruffy has only lost to a good fighter in Manoel Sousa and has now won three in a row.
The striking in this fight is almost certainly going to be exciting. Both are strong fluid kickboxers with fight-ending leg kicks and a bunch of diversity. I ever so slightly favor the striking of Ruffy. He’s better at range, explosive, and mixes it up better. The way he holds his hands low though, Magomedaliev could definitely sleep him.
The biggest eyesore in this fight is the cardio of Magomedaliev. Magomedaliev gasses badly and quickly. Saying that, even though he’s tired he’s still effective and dangerous. His punches are more labored but he is still game. If he can’t get Ruffy out of there early I think Ruffy puts it on him. It’s a tough fight to call but as I expect the fight to stay standing, that’s where Ruffy is more dangerous. The pick is Ruffy by TKO later in the fight.
