The latest batch of UFC hopefuls set to compete in Week 9 of DWCS Season 7 were down a couple of fighters, however. That’s because flyweight Lucas Rocha badly missed weight for a planned bout with Davi Bittencourt. Coming in a full five pounds heavy means that fight was scratched, leaving a four-pack of scheduled contests including two light heavyweight bouts on Tuesday night.

Among those who would be in action, LFA light heavyweight champion Rodolfo Bellato, who would be appearing on the Contender Series for the second time. A highly touted 205’er training with the Nogueira brothers, Bellato still had a tough out in Murtaza Talha, an undefeated talent from Bahrain who had spent his entire career with Brave CF, and who had gone undefeated as an amateur as well, winning several medals under the IMMAF.

Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7, Week 9 goes down Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card streams live on ESPN+ in the U.S., and UFC Fight Pass elsewhere. Full results can be found below.

Week 9’s opening fight saw a teammate of Caio Borralho at Fighting Nerds, Mauricio Ruffy, go deep into the third round with a dangerous opponent in Raimond Magomedaliev. The opening round and a half was basically a chess match, with things opening up in the back half of the fight. In the third, Ruffy began to pull away, and also opened up a cut on his opponent, though it appeared to come from a clash of heads off a spinning back elbow. Regardless, Magomedaliev was waning, and with just 15 seconds to go in the fight, Ruffy secured the TKO finish, achieving mount while his opponent covered up.

Every kick landed by Magomed Gadzhiyasulov in the night’s second bout, at light heavyweight, landed with an audible crack. Opponent Jose Daniel Medina smiled as if to say he was fine, but in reality, he appeared to have little answer. Through two rounds Gadzhiyasulov used his length well, landed kicks low and two the body, and even mixed in some spinning attacks. In the third, Gadzhiyasulov appeared to tire, and even took the fight to the ground, but his dominance was never in question, with all three judges awarding him all three rounds.

Victor Hugo Silva got the job done in the second round of his fight with Eduardo Matias Torres, securing the submission win by kneebar. That turned out to be just the second kneebar in DWCS history, with the first landed by Gadzhi Omargadzhiev in season five (coincidentally, also in week nine that year).

LFA light heavyweight champ Rodolfo Bellato closed out the night in a firefight with Murtaza Talha. In the second, Bellato had Talha under heavy fire, with Bahrain’s Talha covering up and sometimes blindly firing back. Plenty of heart and chin, but eventually Talha was overwhelmed with knees, then a barrage of left hands to give Rodolfo Bellato the second-round TKO victory.

Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7, Week 9 Results

Light Heavyweight: Rodolfo Bellato def. Murtaza Talha by TKO, Round 2, 4:46
Bantamweight: Victor Hugo Silva def. Eduardo Matias Torres by submission (kneebar), Round 2, 2:16
Light Heavyweight: Magomed Gadzhiyasulov def. José Daniel Medina by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Welterweight: Mauricio Ruffy def. Raimond Magomedaliev by TKO, Round 3, 4:45
Flyweight: Lucas Rocha vs. Davi Bittencourt — Cancelled due to Rocha missing weight

Contract winners: Mauricio Ruffy, Magomed Gadzhiyasulov, José Daniel Medina, Victor Hugo Medina, Rodolfo Bellato

The post Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7, Week 9 Results appeared first on Cageside Press.

Would more zaniness ensue on Week 9? Read on for how we see the second-to-last episode of the season playing out!

Light heavyweight: Murtaza Talha Vs Rodolfo Bellato

Tale of the Tape

Pros and Cons

Who has the advantage?

Striking: Bellato
Speed: Bellato
Output/Volume: Talha
Kickboxing: Bellato
Striking defense: Talha
Footwork/movement: Even
Wrestling: Talha
Grappling: Talha
Gas tank: Even

Prediction: Talha came into his pro career as one of the best amateur prospects at the time. He went 12-0 never losing in three years in IMMAF winning gold which is an incredible feat. Talha has been a terror in his pro career over in Brave CF dominating everyone.

Bellato is getting his second chance on the Contender Series after losing last season to the only person that beat him, Vitor Petrino. Since that loss, he’s won his next two. Last May he won the LFA light-heavyweight title.

I like Bellato and I think he’s UFC level but he’s getting a rough match-up. Talha is one of the best light heavyweight prospects worldwide. Bellato is a BJJ guy but the wrestling of Talha should be able to cancel that out. Bellato is dangerous off his back but I would bet Talha isn’t getting caught while on top. There is a chance Bellato can win on the feet. Talha has a smothering pace and I believe will just relentlessly put Bellato on his but. My prediction is Talkha by ground and pound later in the fight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM1bY-1bNlo&pp=ygUNTXVydGF6YSBUYWxoYQ%3D%3D

The post DWCS 2023: Episode 9 Breakdown and Predictions appeared first on Cageside Press.

Week nine of DWCS 2023 rolls around this Tuesday, the penultimate episode of a Contender Series season simply brimming with surprises. Just two weeks ago, a fighter whose bout ended in a draw was awarded a UFC contract, while last week, not one but two fighters who were defeated got the nod to enter the UFC nonetheless.

UFC President (and now CEO) Dana White has certainly been generous, no doubt giving plenty of hope to the talent set to appear on Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7, Week 9.

Among them, a four-pack of light heavyweights, a division always in need of talent. Those two fights were scheduled to feature Murtaza Talha against Rodolfo Bellato, the latter returning for his second shot on DWCS, and Magomed Gadzhiyasulov facing Eduardo Matias Torres.

Weigh-ins for Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7, Week 9 get underway at 12PM ET, 9AM PT in Las Vegas, NV on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. Full results can be found below.

One fighter missed weight on Monday, by a wide margin. Lucas Rocha hit the scales at 131 pounds for what was to be a flyweight fight with Davi Bittencourt. The fight has been scrapped as a result.

Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7, Week 9 Weigh-In Results

Light Heavyweight: Murtaza Talha (203.5) vs. Rodolfo Bellato (205)
Bantamweight: Eduardo Matias Torres (135) vs. Victor Hugo Silva (135.5)
Light Heavyweight: José Daniel Medina (205) vs. Magomed Gadzhiyasulov (205)
Welterweight: Mauricio Ruffy (170) vs. Raimond Magomedaliev (170.5)
Flyweight: Lucas Rocha (131)* vs. Davi Bittencourt (125)

* Rocha misses weight by five pounds for his fight with Davi Bittencourt. Per a report by Alex Behunin, the bout will not move forward.

The post Dana White’s Contender Series Season 7, Week 9 Weigh-In Results — Flyweight Well Over appeared first on Cageside Press.

SFT 29 | Brazil | Thursday

Heavyweight, Acácio dos Santos (13-3)

Acacio dos Santos is a very dangerous and sloppy striker all at the same time. He has the power, speed, and output but lacks badly when it comes to technical ability. His kicks are slightly better, as he doesn’t throw them as carelessly. Santos will get flashy at times but is best when he attacks the lead leg. Santos is usually in control while in the clinch. It’s another position where he uses his size to his advantage, muscling opponents around and making it look easy to land knees.

Santos is an interesting talent with his size and is a dangerous fighter regardless of the deficiencies he has. With an impressive 13-3 record, an eight-fight win-streak, and having not lost a fight since 2015, Santos is seen as a top 205’er out of Brazil for a reason. He fights Marcos Brigagão (13-2).

UAE Warriors 21 | Abu Dhabi | Thursday

Welterweight, Wisem Hammami (5-0)

There isn’t tons of footage on Hammami but from what I’ve seen he’s set himself apart. He has good hands from the looks of things, and seems to have some knockout power. Hammami is more of a wrestler and on top is where he’s comfortable. In the fights I’ve watched he’s been able to quickly get into the mount. From there he’s got good finishing ability with his ground and pound. Hammami fights Omar Hussein (8-2).

ONE Championship | Singapore | Friday

Strawweight, Denice Zamboanga (8-0)

On the feet, Denice Zamboanga is consistent with pressure and output. She has a good right hand and is very accurate with her straight strikes. The jiu-jitsu of Zamboanga is just as good. Her takedown defense has been getting better and off her back, she’s shown to be very hard to keep still. She fights staple Seo Hee Ham (23-8).

Strawweight, Bo Meng (17-5)

Meng is the first person to beat former UFC strawweight champion Weili Zhang. Meng is a well-rounded combatant who has a lot of power in her hands. Enough to stop someone with just one punch. She’s rapid with her output throwing with her hands and mixing in kicks. She’s an even better wrestler with ferocious ground and pound. She fights Ritu Phogat (5-1).

Strawweight, Alyse Anderson (5-1)

Anderson is still very green on the feet, as she needs work on both offensive and defensive fundamentals. She does throw nice straight punches at least.  Her ground game is very dangerous though. Anderson has slick jiu-jitsu, is dangerous on top and bottom, and specializes in chaining from submission to submission. Her offensive wrestling isn’t too good but she is a pretty good counter wrestler. In her last two fights, she was able to score takedowns. She fights Itsuki Hirata (4-0).

Be sure to check out our interview with Alyse Anderson ahead of ONE Championship: Empower.

Combate Global | US | Saturday

Bantamweight, Kevin Cordero (11-2)

Cordero is an absolute action fighter that comes out with the same aggression every time he fights. Cordero is a scrapper. He’ll sit in the pocket and let his hands go and kick the lead leg. Both his right and left hand are dangerous and he doesn’t let up with his volume. He’s a problem on the feet and all that pressure will force opponents to shoot. That’s an issue itself because Cordero is even better on the mat. His offensive wrestling is good as well and holds six submissions. Overall he’s a dangerous guy all around and never in a boring fight. He fights a tough guy in Ricky Bandejas (14-5).

Bantamweight, Eduardo Matias Torres (11-0)

In all likelihood the best prospect out of Chile, Torres holds an impressive undefeated record. The competition Torres has beaten hasn’t been great but he’s disposed of his opponents the way he should. Torres is always bringing forward pressure as he looks to force his way into the clinch. His wrestling needs some work but he does a good job at utilizing trips in the clinch. On the mat is where Torres wants it, where he is dominant. He has very technical grappling where he makes all the right moves and his BJJ IQ is perfect at only 26-years-old. He fights former UFC fighter Nohelin Hernandez (11-5).

EFC 40 | Russia | Saturday

Welterweight, Khabib Nabiev (4-0)

Nabiev isn’t much in the striking department but is an outstanding grappler. Nabiev floats on top and transitions to dominant positions freely. His wrestling looks good enough so far. Even in positions where he’s off his back he’s scrambled and got back in control. All four of his finishes have come from what’s he’s done on top. Nabiev still has a way to come but his grappling alone is to be feared. He fights Aleksandr Verevkin (4-2).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ODwpvZvKXk

Bantamweight, Umar Kunakbiev (6-0)

Kunakbiev is a fun prospect out of Russia that’s well-rounded and fun to watch. On the feet, he has a flashy style. He throws a variety of kicks from different angles. Just a normal roundhouse is his best weapon but he will throw switch kicks and use the cage. He’s an even better wrestler and grappler. Kunakbiev has three submission wins and his ground and pound set it up. A talented guy that’s worth watching out for. He fights Ramazan Amaev (6-0)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T16XGa-IXIY

Road FC 59 | South Korea | Saturday

Featherweight, Soo Chul Kim (16-5-1)

Kim is finally making his return to MMA after a four-year absence. This guy is a very well-rounded fighter. He’s very hard to engage on since he can change levels effortlessly. Kim can use the power in his striking, or he can tie you up in clinch which he is skilled at. I don’t like how he keeps his hands down low and he needs some work on his takedown defense. He goes in for attacks at odd angles and it’s hard to tell what he’s going to throw next, making him very dangerous. He fights Hae Jin Park (8-1).

UAE Warriors 22 | Abu Dhabi | Saturday

Featherweight, Jarno Errens (11-2)

Errens is a top prospect out of the Netherlands with good experience, who is still only 26. On the feet is where he is best, where he can fight at his preferred range. Errens throws straight punches and a lot of leg kicks to maintain the range. He closes distance pretty quickly when throwing bigger shots like the flying knee and spinning attacks. Errens has the volume and mixes up his weapons to keep his opponents guessing. His takedown defense is his biggest flaw. He at least has a good ground game and holds five submissions. He fights Ali Kabdulla (6-0).

Welterweight, Ramazan Kuramagomedov (8-0)

The Russian is very well-rounded, being skillful no matter where the fight goes. On the feet, Kuramagomedov throws a lot of kicks. Throwing with diversity, his kicks come from all over the place. When he decides to just attack the lead leg, that’s when he’s at his best. Overall he’s a flashy but intelligent kickboxer. Kuramagomedov is an even better grappler. Once he gets the fight to the mat he quickly finds dominant positions. In the past Ramazan had trouble solidifying top position but now he’s a fighter with a strong body triangle and has just been dominant on top. You give him anything on the mat, he’s going to get into a better position and he has proved to be a submission threat. He fights Matias Juarez (12-3-1).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIhe1HMLmPA

Fight Club Rush 9 | Sweeden | Saturday

Lightweight, Sahil Siraj (5-0)

Siraj may be only five fights into his career and is already 31 years old, but he has an extensive background in muay thai and kickboxing with over fifty fights. As expected, Siraj has displayed wonderful striking. He has power in his hands and legs, mixes it up, picks his shots, and his left hand is his money shot. Not sold but his talent can’t be denied. He fights Arbi Mezhidov (13-5).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nChXr2EmC9A

KSW 63 | Poland | Saturday

Welterweight, Roberto Soldić (18-3)

A welterweight out of Croatia, Soldic has beaten some stiff competition including Lewis Long, Michał Materla, Borys Mańkowski, and UFC’s Dricus Du Plessis, winning five titles in his career including this KSW championship. Soldic is always coming forward and always looking for the finish in a controlled chaos manner. Soldic has heavy hands and a very accurate head kick, which he has dropped many opponents with. It’s the constant volume he throws paired with his speed that allows him to do so well. Soldic is always throwing punches behind kicks and vice-versa, showcasing his great striking abilities. He fights Patrik Kincl (24-9).

Fury FC 50 | US | Sunday

Lightweight, Anthony Romero (9-0)

Romero has won multiple titles as an amateur, is 18-1 as a pro and amateur combined, and last year he won on the Contender Series. Despite a very impressive performance over a tough Mike Breeden, he wasn’t awarded a contract. Romero is a Taekwondo black belt and a world IBJJF bronze medalist. Romero is extremely well-rounded. He has excellent wrestling, a good ground game, is very technical on the feet, and has a great gas tank. He fights JJ Okanovich (7-1).

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: ONE Kicks Off Atomwieght Grand Prix appeared first on Cageside Press.

In this three-part feature, we’ll list prospects the UFC should bring in for season five. This will exclude prospects that have already been on the show, although there are a few that could very well be brought back. The goal here is to be realistic with the selections, so don’t expect too many left-field picks.

From last year’s list, Tafon Nchukwi, Dustin Stoltzfus, Brandon Royval, Collin Anglin, TJ Laramie, Adrian Yanez, Al Matavao, Nikolas Motta, Cody Brundage, Sherrard Blackledge and more all made it to the show. Others, like Anthony Ivy, Kay Hansen, Max Rohskopf, Timur Valiev, and Irwin Rivera, were signed directly to the UFC, to varying degrees of success.

Now on to part two! If you missed it, here’s part one.

Adli Edwards

Featherweight | 31 | Apex, North Carolina, US | 8-1 | Win streak: 6 | 2 KO/TKOs, 2 Submissions’

Edwards was supposed to fight on Dana White’s Contender Series back in 2019 but an injury forced him out of the bout. Since then he has earned two more wins including a victory against Contender Series veteran Lance Lawrence. Edwards has a good amount of experience and is at his peak at 31-years-old. The now-current HRMMA featherweight champion deserves another shot, no doubt.

Jamey Lyn Horth Wessels

Flyweight | 30 | Squamish, British Columbia, Canada | 4-0 | Win streak: 7 | 3 KO/TKO, 1 Submission

Among all the many top Canadian prospects, Wessels’ name is brought up a lot. In her last fight, she beat a talented Jade Masson-Wong for the BFL title. That win and the performance put her as arguably the best female Canadian prospect at the moment. Wessels was supposed to fight last summer on the Contender Series but VISA issues held that back. Wessels is a name I expect to hear a lot this year.

The post Scouting Prospects for the Contender Series Season 5: Part 2 appeared first on Cageside Press.

CFFC 88 | Wednesday | US

Strawweight, Criszaida Adames (2-0)

Going 4-0 as an amateur, Adames is only 2-0 as a pro but has looked good. Adames is a spitfire blitzing in and out with offense. She could be more technical but is active enough to create issues. Adames has taken down opponents as well as being able to mix it up on the feet. Her best aspects are her striking coming forward and her work rate. She’s still raw but has potential. She fights Claudia Baril (1-0).

Brave CF 45 | Thursday | Bahrain

Lightweight, Akhmed Magomedov (6-0)

Magomedov has a background in freestyle wrestling and was the Russian National Jiu-Jitsu champion in 2017. The Russian only has six fights, but three finishes, getting it done on the mat with submissions and ground and pound. He’s a smart fighter and could be someone to watch for in the future. He fights Abdul Azim Badakhshi (10-2).

Bellator 253 | Thursday | US

Featherweight, AJ McKee (16-0)

McKee has very good wrestling and is able to land many takedowns in a fight. McKee’s athleticism means he can get the easy double leg or just suplex his opponent to the mat. On top, McKee moves well but his control and top position are what stand out. He is strong in the clinch and likes to use knees, and from range he’s started to use more of his kickboxing skills. McKee is also getting better at keeping his opponent at his preferred range. Even with his ever-improving striking, the mat is where he really shows his high skill level. He fights former Bellator champ Darrion Caldwell (14-3).

Welterweight, Jason Jackson (12-4)

Jackson is a good striker who is technical with an excellent jab and a crushing right hand. This product out of the former Blackzilians gym is a very good wrestler as well as being very well-rounded. He’s super athletic and seems to get better every time he fights. He fights well-known former UFC lightweight champ Benson Henderson (28-9).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIalMiFWxqY&ab_channel=AXSTVFights

Welterweight, Joey Davis (7-0)

Davis is an unbeaten D2 wrestler at 133-0. Davis has looked pretty stellar for the most part in his MMA career. He’s used his excellent wrestling and ferocious ground and pound, the latter probably being his best aspect by far. The wrestler though is very athletic and explosive. Davis has finished the fight with both his hands and his kicks. He really looks to be a big deal at only 26-years old. He fights Bobby Lee (12-4) who is his toughest test to date.

Bantamweight, Keith Lee (7-3)

Don’t be deceived by Lee’s record with three losses. His losses are all to very good fighters. Keith is the younger brother of UFC star and top contender Kevin Lee. Keith is very exciting and is extremely well-rounded with excellent cardio. On the feet, Lee has a nice jab and throws a lot of kicks. He’s an even better wrestler who actually out-wrestled an excellent wrestler in Shawn Bunch. He fights Raufeon Stots (14-1).

Bantamweight, Raufeon Stots (14-1)

Raufeon Stots is a former NCAA Division II national champion in wrestling at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. The only loss on his MMA record came to current UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili. Stots is a fantastic wrestler but his stand-up has come along nicely with some good Muay Thai and a developing jab. Still, the Roufusport product is primarily a wrestler. His timing on his shots is excellent and the execution is perfect. It’s going to take a good fighter to beat Stots and to neutralize his wrestling. He fights Keith Lee (7-3).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6VZNGnoxi0&t=1s&ab_channel=AXSTVFights

Welterweight, Jaleel Willis (13-2)

Jaleel Willis is quite athletic and a top-notch wrestler. On top, he has the control, the transitions, and the ground-and-pound to excel. Willis is everything you want in a fighter, especially in terms of wrestling. On the feet, he does hold a lot of power in his hands. Willis still has some things to learn but is a bright prospect. He fights Mark Lemminger (11-2) who is a good prospect as well.

Featherweight, Jay Jay Wilson (6-0)

Wilson has only been a pro for a little over two years and has looked good. The Kiwi has displayed beautiful jiu-jitsu and showed once he gets the back he has a fantastic rear-naked choke. Still, there is a lot he needs to show but Wilson is someone to watch out for. His striking looked good in his last fight and many thought he shoul of lost that fight. He fights Sergio DeBari (5-1).

CFFC 89 | Thurday | US

Welterweight, Christien Savoie (8-0)

Savoie has competed at both middleweight and welterweight. He’s won titles in both weight classes inside Canadian promotion Elite 1 MMA. Savoie is mainly a grinder who will push the pace in close quarters. He wants to take the fight to the mat where his ground and pound is excellent landing at a solid rate with good shots from a short amount of distance. The undefeated record says it all. He fights Bassil Hafez (5-2-1) for the title.

One Championship | Friday | Singapore

Lightweight, Chang Min Yoon (4-0)

Yoon trains out of Team Stun Gun under the main man himself, former UFC fighter Dong Hyun Kim. Yoon doesn’t throw with a lot of output but throws a good jab, a one-two, and hits hard. On the feet, his best weapon is his heavy leg kicks. Yoon is a much better fighter once he gets the fight on the mat. He possesses some tactical grappling, transitioning effortlessly. Yoon is a submission threat as well with three submissions in his pro career. He fights Ryogo Takahashi (13-4).

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: Back-to-Back CFFC Shows, Harrison in Invicta and More appeared first on Cageside Press.

Combate Americas 38 | Friday | Peru

Lightweight, Daniel Zellhuber (7-0)

At only 19-years-old, there will for sure be way more to learn for Zellhuber, but at this point in his career, Zellhuber has looked good. The Mexican has a tall lanky build at 6’1″ and while he does use his range at times, he’s more so a Muay Thai fighter. Zellhuber has excellent clinch work with knees and elbows. He has had some problems with his takedown defense, though. While he does have a decent rubber guard, he will need to learn to keep range more. He fights Gian Franco Cortez (4-0) who lacks footage.

Bantamweight, Eduardo Matias Torres (9-0)

In all likelihood the best prospect out of Chile, Torres holds an impressive undefeated record. The competition Torres has beaten hasn’t been great but he’s disposed of his opponents the way he should. Torres is always bringing forward pressure as he looks to force his way into the clinch. His wrestling needs some work but he does a good job at utilizing trips in the clinch. On the mat is where Torres wants it, where he is dominant. He has very technical grappling where he makes all the right moves and his BJJ IQ is perfect at only 24-years-old. He fights Rodrigo Vera (8-0) who is his toughest test to date.

Flyweight, Jennifer Gonzalez (11-5)

Gonzalez has lost to a few decent fighters but her wins have come over pretty bad opposition. She still has a good record and currently on a four-fight win streak. Gonzalez doesn’t have much to offer on the feet. With that said, she doesn’t waste time closing the distance, getting double underhooks, and slamming her opponent to the mat. Gonzalez has eight submissions with six by armbar showing she is a big submission threat. She fights Dana Grau (2-0), who is an aggressive striker so this is a test for both ladies.

LFA 68 | Friday | Minnesota

Bantamweight, Raufeon Stots (11-1)

Stots is a former NCAA Division II national wrestling champion at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. In June of last year, Stots suffered his only loss to current UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili. Since that loss, Stots has won his next four fights and is one of the best bantamweight prospects today. Stots is a fantastic wrestler but his stand has come along nicely. Along with some great movement, he is the total package. He fights Ralph Acosta (18-13), who is coming off a loss.

Featherweight, Rafael Barbosa (11-1)

Barbosa has looked impressive and at only 21-years-old, he has a high ceiling. He fights with a karate stance, lasering the jab along with an excellent right kick to the liver. The Brazilian is slick on the feet with his jab and does a good job with his movement. Barbosa has some solid head movement, slipping and ripping his counters. He is still green on the mat though, but at his young age, there is still room for improvement. He fights Nate Jennerman (13-4), who is a threat on the mat, so this is a good fight.

Ring of Combat 68 | Friday | New Jersey

Middleweight, Joseph Pyfer (4-0)

Pyfer is a dangerous man who has had huge knockout wins as an amateur and a pro. On the feet, he has a good jab, but it’s the power in his hands that has been a big difference-maker. Using more than just single strikes, Pyfer does a nice job throwing the one-two combinations and can end the fight standing at any time. He is well-rounded as he has finishes from brutal ground-and-pound and three career submissions. Pyfer is a strong guy, showing that with his takedowns, getting the body lock and dumping his foes on their back. At only 22-years-old, Pyfer has a bright future. He fights Elijah Gbollie (5-7) who is on a five-fight skid.

Rizin 16 | Sunday | Japan

Lightweight, Tofik Musaev (14-3)

With a 100% finish rate, Musaev is good everywhere as he has striking with knockout power, combinations, and counter-striking along with some decent wrestling and some effective ground-and-pound. He needs to improve his takedown defense but is still an impressive prospect regardless. He fights his biggest test in former UFC fighter Daron Cruickshank (21-11).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY-yrLw8t4I

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: Seven Names to Watch appeared first on Cageside Press.