Flyweight, John Dave Almanza Vs. Angad Bisht
Tale of the Tape
Manila, Philippines
20
Five-foot-six
6-0
Combined opponent’s record: 9-3-1
Uttarakhand, India
28
Five-foot-seven
9-3
Combined opponent’s record: 43-32
Pros and Cons
John Dave Almanaza
Pros
- Submission threat
- Good right hand
- Dangerous off his back
- Good jiu-jitsu
Cons
- Poor TDD
Angad Bisht
Pros
- Slick back take
- Decent-enough wrestling
- Scrambles well
- Durable
Cons
- Pressed back to easy
- Flat-footed
- Overzealous in the grappling
- Lacks volume
- Open to the body
Prediction: An interesting fight to call. I believe Almanza has a higher ceiling but is still green. Bisht has improved over time but isn’t a UFC-level fighter. Almanza’s nickname is “The Striker” but it’s been his ground game that’s been on display. He does make mistakes, holding onto chokes that aren’t close. So far he’s fought a level of competition where he’s been good enough to find subs off his back.
Almanza’s striking is probably better than Bisht’s because he just lets guys dictate the pace. Although Almanza is the fun pick I think Bisht is the choice. Almanza doesn’t have great takedown defense and is too comfortable off his back; that is something I think Bisht will take advantage of.
