Road to UFC Season 4: Episode 3 Breakdown and Predictions

Bantamweight, Sim Kai Xiong (6-1) vs. Kuya Ito (17-8-1)

Sim Kai Xiong

Xiong fought as a featured bout on RTU on season two. He was someone I liked a lot but went to get knocked out by Peter Danesoe. Although his stock dropped he’s still got upside. I mean he has a win over Chang Ho Lee who is a RTU season winner and 2-0 in the UFC. Xiong actually out-wrestled and out-grappled Lee which is impressive. On the feet I worry about his defense and even his offense he can be a little in the mud with his volume. He does have fast hands but needs to commit more. I still have faith that Xiong could turn out to be a UFC-level guy.

Kuya Ito

Despite what his record might suggest, Ito is a tough guy to go up against. That said, eight losses on the Japanese regional scene is a clear sign he’s not close to UFC level. After watching his fights, I’d argue he could easily have another loss or two on his record. Ito isn’t going to blow anyone away with his skillset; his best asset is probably his cardio, though that might be more a result of how little energy he expends offensively. He throws decent leg kicks and occasionally mixes in a leg kick-hook combo, but he’s often getting outworked in fights and only turns it on with a late flurry to steal rounds. Six of his losses have come by finish, and it’s easy to see why. His striking defense has clear holes, and his takedown defense and grappling are even more concerning.

Prediction: Ito and Xiong have fairly similar styles on the feet, but Xiong looks a bit quicker and more explosive. The real difference, though, lies in the grappling. Xiong is by far the better wrestler and grappler. He’d be smart to shoot within the first minute, and honestly, he’d be crazy not to. I’m confident in Xiong here; he’s the more well-rounded fighter and doesn’t have to worry about any serious knockout threat from Ito.