Earlier than his combat final weekend, Rinat “Gladiator” Fakhretdinov (21-1-1 MMA, 3-0-1 UFC) was seen as a future welterweight champion. He has crushed high-profile fighters, together with The Final Fighter: Season 29 winner Bryan Battle and former title challenger Kevin Lee. Brazilian Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (24-7-1 MMA, 10-3-1 UFC) defeated middleweight champion Sean Strickland and gave Fakhretdinov the battle of his life in a combat that led to a majority draw.
Many slammed the Russian for his efficiency, however the MMA group should keep in mind that requirements had been extraordinarily excessive going into this combat. Right here is one praise, one critique, and one conclusion for Fakhretdinov’s show of expertise at UFC São Paulo:
Praise: Pushing the tempo nearly ensures Fakhretdinov spherical 1 towards most fighters
The “Gladiator” opened the combat with a left hook that dropped dos Santos, resulting in over 2 minutes of floor management. All through the primary spherical, Fakhretdinov was on the offensive, and his takedown risk had his opponent guessing. After a dominant show of combined martial arts in spherical 1, many had been sure Fakhretdinov can be victorious.
Critique: Predictability on the toes
It’s no secret that Fakhretdinov fell in love along with his arms after his fast knockdown of dos Santos. Following that, he was throwing overhand rights so wild that he would fall the opposite approach and go for a follow-up backhand. He did that repeatedly, and it was his solely mixture. This error led to him heaving his physique extensive open as a goal, as he was touched up within the third spherical and practically misplaced the combat by TKO. Sooner or later, Fakhretdinov may use his lengthy vary to jab his approach into establishing a extra technical straight proper hand. If not, his fatigue within the later levels of the combat will get him slept by any high striker.
Conclusion: Fakhretdinov’s subsequent combat will present us his destiny
Earlier than this combat, Fakhretdinov regarded unbeatable as he placed on Khamzat Chimaev-esque performances within the UFC. After his struggle towards dos Santos, it’s clear his talent stage permits him to be a risk, however he’s miles away from the highest 5. Maybe it was an off night time the place the Russian fought for the followers and never on behalf of his coaches’ directions? We are going to see if he can fluctuate his placing when an opponent reveals good takedown protection like dos Santos. If he can clear up his errors, the longer term stays vibrant for the 32-year-old.
Anik Subramanian is an aspiring MMA journalist primarily based in the USA. He found his ardour for MMA when the game was the primary to return to stay motion throughout the pandemic. He’s additionally a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and has been a lifelong sports activities fan.
