Eli Aronov vs Zachary Reese
- Eli Aronov
- Age: 27
- Pro Record: 6-0
- Key Wins: Submitted a well rounded 10-1 fighter.
- Striking: above average (60)
- Power: average (50)
- Wrestling: near plus (65)
- Grappling: a little above average (55)
- Zachary Reese
- Age: 30
- Pro Record: 5-0
- Striking: above average (60)
- Power: above average (60)
- Wrestling: a little above average (55)
It’s hard to grade Reese. Four out of his five pro fights have lasted a minute and a half or less. And all five wins have been against poor competition. So all those quick finishes look good. But who knows what his cardio looks like in the 2nd round and whether he can dominate against better opponents. I watched Aronov’s last fight with Contender vet Mariusz Ksiazkiewicz. And I’m pretty sure Ksiazkiewicz’s grappling tool is a 60, with how he was able to take down and control Mario Sousa on the ground. Well, Aronov comes in, takes Ksiazkiewicz down repeatedly, dominates him for a round and a half on the mat. Sinks in an arm triangle, and that’s a wrap. Domination. Really impressive, especially considering the opponent. And it’s possible the wrestling tool could be as high as a 70. I expect Aronov to take Reese down and quickly. And I doubt Reese will have the cardio to keep getting back up.
Chris’ Pick: Aronov by 2nd round ground and pound TKO.
What I think the odds should be: Aronov -250
Kaik Brito vs Oban Elliott
- Kaik Brito
- Age: 26
- Pro Record: 16-4
- Key Losses: Split decision loss to a well rounded 12-1 fighter.
- Key Wins: Knocked out a 9-2 wrestler, a 12-3 striker, a 7-2 wrestler, and an 8-2 striker.
- Striking: above average (60)
- Power: above average (60)
- Wrestling: a little above average (55)
- Oban Elliott
- Age: 25
- Pro Record: 8-2
- Key Wins: Beat a well rounded 6-2 fighter.
- Striking: a little above average (55)
- Power: fringe average (45)
- Wrestling: a little above average (55)
- Grappling: average (50)
Brito’s striking could be as high as a 65. He’s going to have way more power than Elliott. He just needs to be more efficient with his energy and make sure he doesn’t over chase the finish.
Chris’ Pick: Brito by 1st round knockout.
What I think the odds should be: Brito -200
Isis Verbeek vs Josefine Knutsson
- Isis Verbeek
- Age: 28
- Pro Record: 5-1
- Striking: a little above average (55)
- Power: a little above average (55)
- Wrestling: a little above average (55)
- Josefine Knutsson
- Age: 27
- Pro Record: 5-0
- Key Wins: Beat a 3-0-1 striker and a well rounded 6-2 fighter. Split decision over a 4-0 grappler.
- Striking: a little above average (55)
- Power: fringe average (45)
- Wrestling: above average (60)
Verbeek might have more power, but since this is strawweight, that type of advantage isn’t as significant as a heavier weight class. I see a really close fight here and give Knutsson a wrestling and cardio edge.
Chris’ Pick: Knutsson by split decision.
What I think the odds should be: Knutsson -135
Robbie Ring vs Luis Pajuelo
- Robbie Ring
- Age: 23
- Pro Record: 6-0
- Striking: a little above average (55)
- Power: a little above average (55)
- Wrestling: a little above average (55)
- Luis Pajuelo
- Age: 28
- Pro Record: 7-1
- Key Wins: Knocked out a well rounded 12-2 fighter and a well rounded 3-0 fighter.
- Striking: above average (60)
- Power: above average (60)
- Wrestling: a little above average (55)
I wasn’t blown away by Ring. Watched him against UFC vet Jacob Kilburn. Striking was close to equal. And by the 2nd round, Ring got the better of Kilburn on the ground, but I think that had more to do with Kilburn not being in great shape and gassing out. Decently confident that Pajuelo has the better striking.
Chris’ Pick: Pajuelo by 2nd round knockout.
What I think the odds should be: Pajuelo -250