Prospects to watch this week (Patreon)
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Welterweight, Jerry Kambata (3-0) - EFC 114:
I'm not sure how old Kambata is but he could be a diamond in the rough. From what I've found he's a nasty striker. Really good at controlling the range and snipping on the outside with long punches and kicks. He has two wins by a head kick and one set up by a beautiful knee. I'm taking a flyer on this guy because of all the unknowns but the striking is so crispy.
Welterweight, Taiyilake Nueraji (9-1) - WKG:
Nueraji made a lot of fans after his knockout on Road to UFC last year. 'm not as sold on him as I view him as an action fighter more than a quality fighter. Nueraji has credible wrestling but on the feet he's dangerous. He has good control with his range and although his left hand is his primary weapon he could end it with anything. He's in love with throwing elbows and it's became a valuable weapon in his last few fights.
Lightweight, Mochamed Machaev (14-1, 1 NC) - Oktagon 58:
Outside of MMA, he has a K-1 kickboxing record of 7-0. Machaev is a really good striker. He’s explosive, has commanding pressure, and a diverse striking arsenal. Machaev is constantly throwing combinations, mixing in a bit of everything. Although his foundation style is kickboxing, Machaev has some underrated wrestling. He’s very good at pressing against the cage and changing levels to the knees, getting the textbook double-leg. For the pace Machaev puts on, he has a deep gas tank.
Flyweight, Michael Aljarouj (11-3, 1 NC) - Hexagone MMA 18:
Aljarouj's tape is limited but from everything I've seen he's very talented. He's got the speed, power, and explosiveness to be a threat at 125. I will say his last fight was disappointing but he's young enough to improve. Aljarouj is a compact striker who explodes in with flying knees. He lets his combinations go on the inside with body-head combos and heavy leg kicks. Wrestling isn't great but is strong throwing guys to the ground and inflicting a lot of damage with smashing elbows.
Bantamweight, Abubakar Khasiev (6-1) - GMC 3:
Khasiev is coming off a good win over the German Conor McGregor, Maurice Adorf. Khasiev is a primary striker who can shut the lights out with one punch or kick A lot of credit goes to his footwork as well. He's a dangerous counterstriker with those check hooks. He's nasty coming forward with those kicks to the body.
Welterweight, Teddy Stringer (3-0) - Cage Warriors 173:
Stringer had a long tenured amateur career with over twenty fights and fighting in IMMAF. He went 15-8 but about all his losses came to legit talent. Stringer won't shy away on the feet but is a primary grappler. He gets it there because of his wrestling timing his entries very well. Stringer is aggressive in passing the guard, taking the back, and snatching the neck. Really clean technical work from Stringer just getting to the point. On the feet defense is questionable but throws a good jab and just clean hands overall.
Flyweight, Paris Mora (10-2) - Fury FC 91:
Moran is an exciting prospect who was a seven-time sanda national champion. Moran is a smart technical fighter that can point-fight or shut the lights out. He’s someone that understands distance management. His right hand, jab, one-two and kicks are all things he does so well on the outside. When the distance is attempted to be closed on him he’ll catch you with knees and counter striking.
Featherweight, Yadier DelValle (6-0)- Fury FC 91:
Where DelValle is at his best is on the mat. He is a BJJ black belt and you can see it. He's hit submissions while on top, off his back, in transitions, and in takedowns. He does a great job of giving enough space but is lockdown in scrambles/transitions. A lot of credit to his ground game is the way he blends in jiu-jitsu and ground and pound. DelValle isn't the most technical striker with his hands but will crash the pocket with output. Outside of being dangerous in those explosions, he's good on the outside with his kicks. You can check out my extensive piece I don't on him not long ago on Patreon.
Kegan Gennrich vs. Richie Lewis
This is another fight where I like both of the guy. If you all go look I did a breakdown on this fights on Patreon. I'm picking Lewis but is live more than what most people think.
Lightweight, Callum Connor (6-0) - FCC 38:
Connor is a young man out of England that has a bright future. He has a good understanding of range but is so good on the inside with the Thai click unleashing with knees. He's good at covering space and uses that to work in takedowns and use in his grappling. Connor is still green but well-rounded. Could be a real threat in the future.
Flyweight, Phumi Nkuta (7-0) - Peak Fighting 37:
He's 7-0 as a pro and 5-0 as an amateur. He's never lost a round and I don't think has ever lost a round. His wrestling is high-level. Although his striking isn't on display as much as his wrestling it's looked good. He has the speed, shot placement, and his hands are clean. With his wrestling his jiu-jitsu is lockdown. Nkuta is relentless with his pressure, GNP, and transitions. He's so light on top but is also glue-like giving no space. You don't want Nkuta on the inside because he will bully you around. I did a feature titles call him Dana that you can find on Patreon.
Flyweight, Tony Laramie (8-2) - BTC 24:
Laramie is a flyweight who has fought good competition since turning pro. After a pair of consecutive losses in 2017, he’s won his last four fights. He’s a former TKO veteran and a PFC (Prospect FC) flyweight champion. On the feet, Laramie will beat up your body, damage your legs, and try to take your head off. Laramie is a solid wrestler when needed. Very underrated and a win here should send him to the UFC or contender series.
Flyweight, Anthony Drillich (7-1) - Eternal MMA 85:
Drilich is an unassuming flyweight but he's been getting it done in the cage. He's won his last five fights and is the current Eternal MMA flyweight champion. Drilich isn't great anywhere but is good everywhere. What he does have is crazy power for a 125er. He has the type of power in his left hand that is fight-changing. Drilich can really shut the lights out at any point as his power carries over all rounds and he is durable.
I couldn't find the time to look into this fight but watch out for Wallace dos Santos vs. Renan Freitas. Both are good prospects to watch for. I lean towards Renan because I love those Chute Boxe fighters. Wallace is very talented as well. A close fight with big things going for the winner.