Bantamweight, Sulangrangbo (9-3) Vs. Sim Kai Xiong (7-1)
Sulangrangbo
-Good pull counters
-Good movement
-Diverse kickboxing
-Strong distance controls
-Throws from different angles
-Good right hand
-N/A
Sim Kai Xiong
-Good wrestling
-Strong TDD
-Submission threat
-Slick grappling
-Quick hands
-Good defensive wrestling
-Doesn’t deal with pressure well
-Lacks position control
Prediction: Sulangrangbo made a statement in his opening fight with a spectacular finish, while Xiong advanced by simply doing enough to edge out a win. Sulangrangbo is a pure striker: technical, composed, and dangerous with a wide variety of unorthodox attacks. His leg dexterity is a standout feature, as he frequently mixes in wheel kicks, axe kicks, hook kicks, and other creative strikes. Still, his most effective weapon is his right hand, which he uses well both as a lead and a counter.
Xiong, on the other hand, is a capable wrestler and grappler but struggles to maintain control and consistency over three rounds. He’ll need to avoid extended striking exchanges at all costs, as he’s at a clear disadvantage on the feet. Sulangrangbo’s length, variety, and precision present too many problems for him standing.
The biggest question is Sulangrangbo’s ground game, which remains largely untested. But if Xiong has the same issues controlling positions as he did in his last bout, he’s going to have a hard time dictating the fight. I’m picking Sulangrangbo by TKO—the striking gap is simply too wide.
