OKTAGON 27 | Slovakia | Saturday

Featherweight, Vojto Barborik (13-1)

Currently on an eleven-fight win streak, Vojto Barborik’s only loss is to a good fighter in Tomas Deak. Barborik is primarily a wrestler who chains together his takedown attempts well. He’s a monster on top with active and heavy ground and pound. He’s very sound with nasty elbows and heavy hammer fists. Barborik doesn’t have many TKO stoppages mind you as ten of his wins are via submission. He fights the well-known Ivan Buchinger (38-7).

Eternal MMA 61 | Australia | Saturday

Lightweight, Daniel Hill (5-0)

Not far into his career Hill has stopped a lot of momentum from other countrymen. He was the one to snap a five-fight win streak from Josh Togo. He also beat David Martinez who is a solid prospect. Hill is well-rounded and gets better as the fight goes. He gets taken down and hit a lot but never goes away. Hill has good striking and will take damage to get in a few shots. He’s even better on the mat. He will take any position given to him. Not a great fighter anywhere but so tough. Hill fights Jack Becker (8-2).

ACA 128 | Belarus | Saturday

Bantamweight, Vazha Tsiptauri (10-1-1)

Tsiptauri is a native out of Georgia who is an underrated prospect. He’s a really well-rounded dangerous guy who is tough to figure out. Tsiptauri is a ball of output always throwing something. He’s really kick-heavy on the feet but never lets off the gas. He kicks more than he punches but puts it together well. Tsiptauri is a solid wrestler too. His timing on his shots is off what he does on the feet. He blends it all together so well. Tsiptauri is a very capable grappler. He is a submission threat and is always working to improve his position. He has it all. Tsiptauri fights Ruslan Abiltarov (23-10-1).

Open Fighting Championship | Russia | Saturday

Welterweight, Sharaf Davlatmurodov (18-3-1)

Davlatmurodov is a fun fighter with a lot of good experience. He has wins over some good competition and has lost to only solid fighters. On the feet, Davlatmurodov throws a lot of volume throwing with different patterns and mixing it up very well. He has good kickboxing and from the outside has real good long striking. Mixing it up, Davlatmurodov will explode on the hips taking his opponents down. At times he can be too aggressive on the mat but he has RNC’s for a reason. He’s really good. Mostly he just needs to improve small things— but the takedown defense should be his biggest concern. He fights Yasubey Enomoto (22-12).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QNF7kTb7sY&t=3s

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: A Short Week appeared first on Cageside Press.

PFL 2021 #4 | US | Thursday

Featherweight, Movlid Khaybulaev (15-0-1)

Khaybulaev is a very solid fighter all around, and he is really technical in his stand-up. He throws a lot of spinning attacks, not overdoing it, but that is a good thing. Khaybulaev uses the flying knee often, which he’s used to knock out opponents. With that said, he also has good wrestling; he is able to shoot in for a double leg or he can lift and slam you to the mat. Khaybulaev can usually get the fight down multiple times in a bout. He fights Sheymon Moraes (11-5).

ACA 124 | Russia | Friday

Lightweight, Pavel Gordeev (17-2)

Gordeev has shown he is a promising prospect, beating four undefeated fighters, former UFC fighter Mickael Lebout and Shane Campbell, and other solid competition. Gordeev is mainly a striker who loves to use the jab often. The Russian has good long straight punches and his speed can be a real factor. Gordeev has also shown the ability to land at a high rate as well. His wrestling is decent enough to be effective with good scrambles and an active ground game. He fights Denis Silva (16-5).

UWC 27 | Mexico | Friday

Featherweight, Aaron Cañarte (6-0)

Canarte is undefeated as a pro and went undefeated as an amateur going 5-0. Outside of MMA, Canarte has competed in kickboxing fighting for WGP. He has lights-out power in his hands and some heavy kicks as well. He’s well-versed on the feet throwing kicks and punches together. I’m not fully sold on him due to his lack of competition but his technical ability is good enough to keep an eye on. He fights Alexander Barahona (12-6).

Bellator 260 | US | Friday

Welterweight, Yaroslav Amosov (25-0)

In Yaroslav Amosov’s stand-up, he combines his kicks and punches extremely well. He moves in and out fluidly with his punches and uses his reach well too. Yaroslav doesn’t have a lot of knockout power, but he is a finisher, finishing all but four of his wins. Amosov also has very good submission skills with nine submission wins, using his long arms mostly for chokes. He also has excellent takedown defense and altogether has gotten better and better. He fights champion Douglas Lima (32-8).

Welterweight, Jason Jackson (14-4)

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 already has career wins against Benson Henderson, Jordan Mein, Neiman Gracie, Dhiego Lima, and Kiichi Kunimoto. The last few years Jackson has looked great. He fights Paul Daley (43-17-2).

Featherweight, Aaron Pico (7-3)

Pico has competed in folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling, winning a championship in all three. He has competed in multiple wrestling-based matches and has become very successful. Pico also has a background in boxing, winning many belts and also being named Junior Golden Gloves champion in 2009. Pico has had a few setbacks already but is back on a three-fight win streak. He has excellent boxing techniques with power and precision. Also, he has high-level wrestling. At only 24, he has the overall skill set to be champion one day. He fights Aiden Lee (9-4).

Welterweight, Levan Chokheli (9-0)

Chokheli is a little known but exciting prospect, finishing all nine (ten, but one was overturn to a no contest) of his fights. There’s not really a ton of footage out there on him, but from what can be seen, he’s one to watch out for. Chokheli is an explosive fighter with a lot of power and speed. He’s got good dangerous kickboxing, good hands, and has shown how explosive he can be holding a flying knee knockout. There still needs to be a lot more shown from Levan but he no doubt has the hype behind him. He fights a solid prospect in Kyle Crutchmer (6-0).

Featherweight, Justin Gonzales (11-0)

Undefeated as a pro, Gonzales also went undefeated as an amateur at 8-0. Gonzales has always been an excellent wrestler who was an All-American, but he’s been adding a lot of striking to his resume. J-Train could use better footwork, but he stays aggressive and has good right and left hooks. He really just uses strikes to set up takedowns. Overall, I think he’s good, but there is still room for improvement. He fights Tywan Claxton (6-2).

Open Fighting Championship 5 | Russia | Saturday

Welterweight, Sharaf Davlatmurodov (17-3-1)

Davlatmurodov is a fun fighter with a lot of good experience. He has wins over some good competition and has lost to only solid fighters. On the feet, Davlatmurodov throws a lot of volume throwing with different patterns and mixing it up very well. He has good kickboxing and from the outside has real good long striking. Mixing it up, Davlatmurodov will explode on the hips taking his opponents down. At times he can be too aggressive on the mat but has RNC’s for a reason. He’s really good. Mostly he just needs to improve small things— but the takedown defense should be his biggest concern. He fights Kleber Silva (20-10).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QNF7kTb7sY&t=1s

EFC 86 | South Africa | Saturday

Featherweight, Igeu Kabesa (12-1)

Kabesa’s only loss is to UFC fighter Danny Henry, which was a rematch of their first meeting, which Kabesa won. Of the two, Kabesa has a much higher ceiling. “Smiley” is one of the two best prospects out of South Africa along with Demarte Pena. He is the current EFC Worldwide featherweight champion and is on a four-fight win streak. Kabesa is a very decorated wrestler being a 10-time Wrestling Nationals Champion. He is young and solid everywhere. Kabesa has amazing wrestling and grappling, he can move well on the mat and can reach mount fairly easy. His striking is good too, moving in-and-out with explosive punches quickly and his slips and counters are solid. He fights Reinaldo Ekson (15-5).

Flyweight, Gian Souza (7-0)

Souza is another prospect who has been flying under the radar but has been killing it on the regional scene. He’s an aggressive fighter who is a brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu. Across the span of his seven fights, Gian has been very successful with his wrestling. On the feet, the Brazilian is technical and possesses heavy hands. Training with Bellator MMA’s Pitbull Brothers, Patricio and Patricky Freire, should raise his ceiling even more. He fights Luthando Biko (7-2).

RIZIN 28 | Japan | Saturday

Lightweight, Tofiq Musayev (18-3)

Musayev shocked the world last December when he won the Rizin lightweight grand prix. Among the names he beat in the GP are former UFC fighter Johnny Case and the well-known Patricky Pitbull, which was a big shock. Musayev is good just about everywhere as he has striking with knockout power, combinations, and counter-striking. Along with some decent wrestling and some effective ground-and-pound. A plus to his output is that as the fight goes on he gets better and better. He fights Roberto de Souza (11-1).

Lightweight, Roberto de Souza (11-1)

Souza grew up training in judo and jiu-jitsu and would later become very successful in BJJ. His grappling record (as far as official matches go) is 61-15 with 37 submission wins. He has many achievements in BJJ. While MMA is an entirely different sport, Souza still has got it done on the mat with seven submissions. His striking has been coming around as well, meaning he can get it done on the feet with his hands also. He fights Tofiq Musayev (18-3).

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: Pico Returns, RIZIN in Action appeared first on Cageside Press.

Babilon MMA 22 | Poland | Friday

Lightweight, Marcin Jablonski (9-2)

After a pair of consecutive losses in 2016, Jablonski has won his next six fights. Of the footage available he’s a wrestler with an overhand. His ability to drive in on the hips is very strong. Once he closes the distance he grabs a leg or both and just powers guys down. Jablonski has solid positional grappling and really strong control. On feet outside of having some power he struggles. His striking defense needs a lot of work. Overall I’m not fully sold but he’s worth a watch. Jablonski fights Alan Langer (11-7).

Invicta FC | US | Friday

Atomweight, Alesha Zappitella (8-2)

Zappitella started in wrestling before transitioning later into MMA. After a 2-2 amateur career, she has an impressive 8-2 record now as a pro. She stands at 4″11″ but has made up for that with her constant pressure getting into the clinch and fighting her fight. On the feet, she has some power in her overhands but she may struggle at range if she can’t close the distance. She is a fantastic wrestler who has been very impressive on top with her active movement and transitions. She defends her title against Jéssica Delboni (10-2)

Bellator 259 | US | Friday

Middleweight, Austin Vanderford (10-0)

Vanderford is a really strong wrestler who was a national amateur wrestling champion. He has excellent chain wrestling and once on top, he is very dominant. He doesn’t have much on the feet but he is growing and he does hold a lot of power in his hands. Vanderford is solid once he gets on top with heavy top control and heavy ground and pound. He fights Fabian Edwards (9-1).

Welterweight, Maycon Mendonça (11-4)

Not long ago, Mendonca was on a three-fight skid. Now he’s won his last five fights. He just had a Fight of the Year performance against Batsumberel Dagvadorj in a crazy war to win the LFA title. Wins against Dagvadorj, Bobby Lee, Devin Smyth, and Kassius Kayne all look good on his record. Mendonca is a Muay Thai practitioner that has fallen in love with Thai plum knees, which he’s very good at using. Throwing from the outside with long strikes and he likes to throw that spinning kick to the midsection. He does need work with his takedown defense but off his back he is dangerous. He’s really turned the tide in his career. Mendonca fights Jaleel Willis (14-2).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T7PttwYYm0

Welterweight, Jaleel Willis (14-2)

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 Maycon Mendonça (11-4).

Light-heavyweight, Christian Edwards (3-0)

Edwards is only 4-0 as a professional but went 3-0 as an amateur as well. Edwards is one of the hottest prospects today coming out of Jackson-Wink MMA and is a sparring partner of former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. A young kid but he has the attributes to go really far in this sport. Edwards has some sick Thai clinch work with nice knees and elbows. He lands often stepping in with strikes and finishes in the clinch with excellent work. Also mixing in a few takedowns while showing solid cardio. He’s also already gone three rounds and looked really good. He fights Ben Parrish (4-1).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bps5DI6pQiM

Light-heavyweight, Grant Neal (5-0)

After going 6-0 as an amateur Neal is currently 5-0 as a pro. Neal is a wrestler first. If he doesn’t finish the fight early he can dominate the fight with relentless takedowns. Once he gets his hands clasped he will dump you on your back in a big way. Neal stays busy with ground and pound and can throw at the same pace and pick it up later in the later rounds even. He fights Tyree Fortune (5-0).

Lightweight, Aviv Gozali (5-0)

Son of longtime fighter Haim Gozali, Aviv Gozali has looked fantastic in his short career despite being so young. All his wins have come by submission in the first round. Gozali is an aggressive grappler who excels in that department. There are questions about his striking but his jiu-jitsu is high-level. He fights Sean Felton (5-2-1).

Featherweight, Leah McCourt (4-1)

From losing her pro debut to winning her next four McCourt is a good prospect. She even has a win over UFC’s Manon Fiorot. Not much on the feet as her full intention is to get the fight to the mat. To get it to the mat McCourt has some wonderful judo she uses. Her grappling is good and getting into the mount and unloading ground and pound is something she does well. McCourt will fight Janay Harding (6-4).

Lightweight, Alexander Shabliy (19-3)

Shabliy, although violent, is an efficient counter fighter, reacting well to his opponents’ advances. His takedowns generally happen when his opponents try a takedown themselves, but he overpowers and throws them to the mat. On the feet, he is calm but he brings the heat when needed, and if he catches his competition then he will try his best to end the fight, whether that be with his strikes or knees. Shabliy is an intelligent fighter that makes very few mistakes. He’s one of the best prospects out of Russia. He fights Alfie Davis (14-3).

Lightweight, Alfie Davis (14-3)

Davis’ ground game has improved greatly throughout his career. He is dangerous off his back with submissions or just simply sweeping his opponent. Being on his back at times, he has never been in trouble and he always works his way back to his feet very quickly. On the feet, he is a treat to watch, as everything is set up with his sublime kickboxing. His kickboxing is very dynamic, always throwing a variety of kicks and attacks with every limb of the body, always feinting and switching stances, showing excellent footwork with crazy speed. Davis doesn’t usually box enough, but his kickboxing, staying on the outside and keeping his opponent guessing, is good enough. He fights Alexander Shabliy (19-3).

Bantamweight, Danny Sabatello (10-1)

Sabatello, with an impressive 9-1 record in MMA, made his name in wrestling. He’s a three-time NCAA Championships qualifier and a two-time 141-pound Big Ten Championship winner. He’s an insanely good wrestler with frantic forward pressure, and he has a high pace he puts on until the finish or a decision. He now a new Bellator fighter and I expect him to do well. He fights Brett Johns (17-2).

LFA 108 | US | Friday

Middleweight, Joshua Fremd (7-1)

Fremd is a product out of Factory X and someone that has a bright future. The only thing that worries me is his suspect cardio and maybe his takedown defense. At least offensively he’s finding finishes striking and on the mat. Fremd throws good output with tons of leg kicks and looping hooks in combinations. He’s also a strong wrestler and is a threat with chokes and ground and pound. He thrives in scrambles and is a fast big man. He has a good flow to his output and overall is someone that may be a breakout star in 2021. He fights Gregory Rodrigues (7-1) for the LFA title.

Catch our interview with Josh Fremd ahead of this one.

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

Flyweight, Mark Climaco (5-0)

Climaco is a scrapper 125er that is a treat to watch. On the feet, he’s like a firecracker that is firing on all cylinders. He throws a lot of output and from all angles. Climaco hits hard, he’s quick, and throws in volume very well. The young 22-year-old is already very well rounded so the wrestling and ground game is there. For a young flyweight prospect, he’s oozing with potential. He fights Rodney Kealohi (5-1).

Flyweight, Clayton Carpenter (3-0)

Carpenter was the USA junior National Muay Thai champion, a four-time Muay Thai National Champion, a junior Golden Gloves Boxing Champion, World junior Grappling and Pankration medalist, and an IBJJF World Champion in gi and no-gi. As expected with his experience across an array of sports, Carpenter puts it all together in MMA. He doesn’t do anything significantly better than the other, as he’s as well-rounded as they come for such a young fighter. Carpenter on the feet is a technical player, fighting behind forward pressure and leg kicks being highlighted. He mixes it up perfectly, lunging forward with knees and strikes,  takes out the legs, and goes up top for the kill. Carpenter makes you think he is so comfortable striking and mixing it up, you might even forget about the takedown threat. He fights Nick Clem (3-1).

Heavyweight, Thomas Petersen (4-0)

Peterson came into his MMA career with a background as a wrestler. He was a high school Minnesota State champion and an NJCAA National champion at Iowa Central. Peterson has had no issue using his wrestling and land ground and pound to send the ref in. Outside of that, he does have a one-punch knockout win. It’s still hard to tell how good he really is. Peterson fights Richard Foster (5-4).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2ScHfhJraI

 Open Fighting Championship 4 | Russia | Friday

Lightweight, Eduard Vartanyan (21-4)

Vartanyan has been fighting at a high level in Russia for quite some time. His losses have come primarily to good competition, and he’s also beat some quality opponents as well. He holds wins over Magomedrasul Khasbulaev, Sergey Khandozhko, Alexander Shabliy, and Alexander Sarnavskiy. Vartanyan is an excellent pocket striker, counter striker, solid wrestler, and is tough as nails. He fights Michel Silva (22-8-1).

NFC Series Preseason 1 | Germany | Saturday

Welterweight, Kennedy Rayomba (4-0)

Rayomba is a bright young prospect out of Germany who I’m very impressed with. There isn’t a lot of footage available so there isn’t much to go off of. From what I picked up he’s a really good intelligent striker. Rayomba fights at his preferred range landing nice straight punches. He’s really good at slipping punches and returning. He mixes it up to the body head and switches up his tempo mid-combination. Still, a lot needs to be seen but the skill is there. He fights Florim Zendeli (3-0).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUOWPFkVvyA&t=288s

GMC 25 | Germany | Saturday

Welterweight, Kerim Engizek (15-4)

Kerim Engizek has quietly flown under the radar but arguably has the best resume of all German prospects. He’s the current GMC welterweight champion who has defended his title three times. His last loss was in 2014 and he’s currently on an eight-fight win streak. On the feet, he a good counter striker slipping and coming over the top with his right hand. Engizek isn’t stingy as he goes to the body quite often mixing it up the way fighters should. He does have a ground game as well and while it is fine, he’s much better striking. He fights Milanko Puranovic (4-6).

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: Bellator Boasts a Stacked Undercard appeared first on Cageside Press.

Tale of the Tape

Oleg Popov (10-1)
Age: 29 years old
Height: 6’1″
Fighting out of: Kalmykia, Russia
Gym: BARS Of The Northern Fleet
Karate World Champion/National and South American Champion
Combined Record of Opposition: 96-52-2

Hugo Cunha (5-0)
Age: 28 years old
Height: 6’4″
Fighting out of: Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Gym: Tata Fight Team
Former Brazilian National Wrestling Team/BJJ Black Belt
Combined Record of Opposition: 9-2

Pros and Cons

Oleg Popov

Hugo Cunha

Who has the advantage?

Striking: Cunha

Neither men make their bread and butter striking, and realistically they aren’t even secondary strikers. I do think it’s clear, however, that Cunha is the better striker. Popov may have a little more power but he has little to zero volume as he just spams overhands. Cunha at least throws a nice jab and throws in combinations. He isn’t the most refined striker but has a good volume edge.

Speed: Popov

Output/Volume: Cunha

Knockout power: Popov

Popov has a slight edge in power but it’s not even a clear cut at all. Popov has had more fights to show off his power, so Cunha may actually have the edge here.

Chin: Even

Kickboxing: Even

Footwork/Movement: Popov

Popov does a lot of in and out movement to land a strike and get right back out of the way. Cunha doesn’t have bad movement but at times is flat-footed whereas Popov is always on his toes.

Wrestling: Cunha

Both men are good wrestlers. Popov is a better chain wrestler but Cunha always gets the takedown on the first attempt. Popov has to work hard to get the fight to the mat and his relentless attack is what makes him succeed at getting the fight down. Cunha will just throw guys around and has a good single leg he’s used many times. While both are good wrestlers I think Cunha is the more physical guy.

Grappling/Ground game: Cunha

Popov has decent ground and pound and good top position but Cunha is levels above on the mat. Cunha is a BJJ black belt and watching him fight it shows. Popov a lot of times relies on top position and staying busy enough to avoid getting the fight stood up. Cunha is always bettering his position and from anywhere he’s always attacking. Cunha is a big dude too so his top position is good.

Cardio: Popov

Cunha is a finisher not ever going the distance, not even once. Popov has gone the distance four times. Due to his low output, Popov has been able to conserve his energy very well.

Prediction:

The biggest factor coming into this fight is the size. Popov should be fighting at light heavyweight. Popov usually weighs in at 245lbs where Cunha weighs in at the limit of 265lbs. Cunha is also three inches taller.

When you’re factoring in size and weight between two guys at heavyweight that really matters.

Skill for skill alone Cunha is a much better wrestler despite the size advantage.

It could be close on the feet between two heavyweights that hit hard and don’t have the best striking defense. Neither has been knocked out so going off the technical ability and volume Cunha has looked much better.

It will be interesting to see how Cunha will do if he can’t put away Popov. Even when the fight is slowed the size of Cunha is gonna be the key to victory. The pick is Cunha.

The post Breaking Down a Heavyweight Clash: Oleg Popov vs. Hugo Cunha appeared first on Cageside Press.

ONE on TNT 2 | Singapore | Wednesday

Lightweight, Christian Lee (14-3)

After a failed title shot in 2018, Lee rebounded and when he moved to welterweight (lightweight under the ONE weight system) he won a title. Lee is excellent on the feet, being quick and dynamic with outstanding footwork. His abilities on the mat are there when needed, holding four submission wins to date. At only 22, Lee is already a star for ONE Championship. Imagine where he’s going to be in, say, five years. He’s well-rounded, has solid cardio, and gets better in every fight. He fights Timofey Nastyukhin (14-4).

Bantamweight, Shuo Wang (11-4)

There isn’t a lot of footage on Wang but in his last fight, he impressed me a lot. He’s mainly a striker and of what’s seen his takedown defense is solid. Wang mixes it up well going to the head, body, and legs. He has good head movement that compliments his counter striking. He’s really good at slipping and returning. I still need to see more but Wang looks to be really talented. He fights Kyu Sung Kim (10-4).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQl_xI67VYo

Bellator 257 | Friday | US

Light heavyweight, Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (18-5-1)

Yagshimuradov is well-rounded and is dangerous on the mat and on the feet. He shows a lot of athleticism on the feet with the ability to throw nice spinning heel kicks, but he also hits like a truck, picking up a few one-punch knockouts. Yet, believe it or not, Yagshimuradov is even better on the mat. He has good power wrestling, has solid jiu-jitsu and his ground and pound is a fight changer. He fights Corey Anderson (14-5).

Heavyweight, Steve Mowry (8-0)

Standing a 6’9″, Mowry has all the tools to be a dangerous guy at heavyweight. Training out of Hard Knocks 365 the 28-year-old has plenty of time to develop into a more complete fighter.  8-0 as a pro, Mowry went 7-0 as an amateur with six wins by submission. He has some things to work on including his striking, which is improving, but overall he does a good job and stays long. Still, he is more effective in the clinch with knees. He has solid wrestling, being at his best once on the mat. And once there he has good jiu-jitsu for a big guy. He fights Shaun Asher (13-3-1).

Featherweight, Jay Jay Wilson (7-0)

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 has also been looking very good in his last two fights. In his last fight, he scored a nice knockout. He fights Pedro Carvalho (11-4).

Light heavyweight, Julius Anglickas (9-1)

Anglickas has a strong wrestling base, that being his best weapon for sure. He can wrestle all fight as his cardio has proved to be very good. He also has a dangerous submission attack, holding four submission wins in his career. On the feet, Anglickas bull rushes opponents and beats them up in the clinch. He also throws good leg kicks and a good jab.  He’s got a solid work ethic and eventually breaks your will. He fights Gregory Milliard (12-6).

LFA 104 | US | Friday

Flyweight, Carlos Candelario (7-0)

The last time Candelario was in the cage was three and a half years on the Contender Series. He did win but didn’t get a contract and tore his ACL. Candelario retired from MMA, but is back. Back when he was active I believe he was one of the best prospects at 125. Candelario has a background in boxing and kickboxing but his grappling is just as good. On the feet his hands are serious. He has hand speed, accuracy, and power. You can tell the golden gloves boxing experience. He has solid wrestling but what sets him apart is his excellent ground and pound. Watch out for this guy because he’s ultra dangerous. He fights Yuma Horiuchi (7-3).

Heavyweight, Thomas Peterson (3-0)

Peterson is only 3-0 as a pro and as an amateur, he went 5-0. He’s a two-time Minnesota State high school state champion and an NJCAA champion at Iowa Central. Along with textbook wrestling in his last fight he showed he has power in his hands. So far he seems to be well-rounded and is only 24. Obviously, he has more to show. He fights Odell Pantin (1-1).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2ScHfhJraI

Open Fighting Championship 3 | Russia | Saturday

Heavyweight, Aleksandr Maslov (6-1)

Maslov is a dangerous athletic striker who has a lot of pop behind his punches. He’s also very fast with his output and overall has good hands with a key uppercut he loves to throw. His takedown defense is a concern but age is on his side and he’s been fighting good solid fighters. Maslov hasn’t fought anyone with a losing record to date. He fights former UFC fighter Luis Henrique (13-6).

Heavyweight, Hugo Cunha (5-0)

Cunha doesn’t have a lot of experience in MMA but is a Brazilian National Team wrestler and a BJJ black belt. You will notice his level of competition has been poor as he’s fought three opponents with an 0-0 record. Cunha has still looked dominant thus far in his career and that’s with a 100% finish rate. Cunha on the feet throws a decent jab and puts cominations together but to close the distance and get takedowns is where he’s best. Where he’s actually the best in on the mat where he can show his BJJ black belt. He’s always working to better his position and working to finish. He fights Oleg Popov (10-1).

Heavyweight, Oleg Popov (10-1)

Popov is a wrestler who has some decent power in his hands. He’s an aggressive guy constantly shooting and what he lacks in size he makes up for with his strength. Not entirely someone who will blow you away on the mat but he has some heavy top control. Popov is getting better and better with each fight. He fights Hugo Cunha (5-0).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn_KkyjDj9I&t=1s

SHP 60 | US | Saturday

Featherweight, Cole Ferrell (10-0)

Cole Ferrell hasn’t been touched in his professional career and has rarely ever been in any kind of trouble. Ferrell has shown glimpses of power in his hands but is a good wrestler with a very solid ground game. He has shown that he has a tight grip when he gets the neck, hence why his eight submission wins have all come by way of a choke. If there is one knock on Cole Ferrell, it would be that he needs a step up in competition. He fights Tim Eschtruth (5-3).

Combat Night Pro 21 | US | Saturday

Featherweight, Ramon Taveras (4-0)

Taveras is only 4-0 but while scouting him months back he caught my attention. He has solid wrestling and a good ground game but it’s his striking that’s impressive. Taveras has excellent boxing throwing tight-knit combinations to the body and head. He’s a good counter striker and is good at switching up the angles when he’s throwing. He’s well-rounded and very skilled. Taveras fights Edward Massey (5-5).

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