The Road to UFC 3 semifinals arrive on Friday night, with some of Asia’s hottest prospects looking to fight their way into the big show. Two cards will go down live from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas; the second, episode six of the current season, sees featherweights and women’s strawweights in action.
Haven’t kept up with Road to UFC 3, which has unfortunately been a bit of an afterthought for the promotion at times? We’ve got you covered with our breakdown and predictions below.
Featherweight, Xie Bin (12-4) Vs. Masuto Kawana (10-3)
Xie Bin
Pros
- Submission threat/Excellent d’arce choke
- Fights long well
- Good wrestling
- Good ground and pound
- Dangerous jumping knee
- Solid jiu-jitsu
- Long jab
Cons
- TDD needs work
- Loose in positions
- Easy to get hit
- Sloppy at times
Masuto Kawana
Pros
- Physically strong
- Good wrestling
- Aggressive
Cons
- Poor cardio
- No head movement
- Squared stance
- Advances in straight lines
Prediction: This fight isn’t going to live up to any sort of promise. Bin struggles badly against even mid-tier guys. There is nothing special about Kawana. He’s going to come forward and attempt to win off pressure, cage wrestling, and wearing-on guys.
Kawana beat a better opponent in his opening fight than Bin did. I do think the way their styles are benefits Bin a little more. Bin is the better striker and I think has more weapons on the mat. I think it’s going ro be a boring fight that may go to a split decision. Leaning Bin by decision because he has more tools.
