Azamat Bekoev, UFC 311 ceremonial weigh-in Credit score: Gabriel Gonzalez/Cageside Press
Middleweight Zach Reese was imagined to be dealing with Sedriques “SD” Dumas at UFC 311 on Saturday. Nevertheless, with Dumas out, it’s Russian Azamat Bekoev entering into the struggle on quick discover. The cardboard is headlined by Islam Makhachev, taking over Renato Moicano on a day’s discover after Arman Tsarukyan was pressured out as a consequence of a again damage.
Azamat “King Pit” BekoevStanding at five-foot-elevenFighting at 185 lbs (middleweight)29-years-oldVladikavkaz, North Ossetia–Alania, Russia/USTraining out of American High TeamA professional report of 18-36 KO/TKOs, 8 SubmissionPro comp; N/A
How Bekoev will fare within the UFC
Aamat Bekoev’s eventual path to the UFC appeared inevitable as soon as he made the transfer to the U.S., significantly after his success in LFA. Profitable and defending a title within the LFA typically serves as a direct pipeline to the UFC, as champions not often get the possibility to defend their belts earlier than being signed. Nevertheless, Bekoev stands out, having defended his LFA title twice.
The principle cause he hasn’t been known as up sooner is his combating fashion, which frequently results in choices somewhat than finishes. That modified in his most up-to-date struggle, the place a knockout victory doubtless vaulted him to the highest of the UFC’s listing for short-notice replacements. Over his final three fights, Bekoev has secured wins in opposition to a present UFC fighter, a Contender Collection alum, and a seasoned veteran with 28 fights to his identify.
Nevertheless, Bekoev’s report is a little bit deceptive. Whereas it reveals eight first-round finishes and eight submission victories, he’s removed from a submission specialist and tends to wrestle to safe finishes in opposition to high-level opponents. Most of his early finishes got here in opposition to fighters with dropping information or these previous their prime. In actuality, Bekoev’s fashion is extra akin to a sluggish, grinding method.
He doesn’t push a excessive tempo, as a substitute working his means ahead with single strikes and fundamental one-two mixtures earlier than trying takedowns. Whereas his wrestling entries are strong, he struggles to complete takedowns in opposition to the cage, relying extra on power than technical ability. His floor recreation is equally restricted—whereas he can preserve heavy high management, his lack of jiu-jitsu and ground-and-pound effectiveness are important drawbacks. Bekoev typically fails to trigger significant harm from the highest, counting on quick punches and elbows that every one too continuously have little influence.
On the toes, Bekoev has some energy however throws at a low quantity, making it comparatively straightforward for opponents to outpoint him so long as they keep away from buying and selling. His hanging lacks the depth and flexibility wanted to succeed on the UFC degree.
In abstract, Bekoev’s heavy high management, restricted grappling, and subpar wrestling doubtless received’t be sufficient for him to thrive within the UFC. His slow-paced, grinding fashion might safe wins in opposition to lesser foes, however his general ability set seems too restricted to excel within the sport’s best promotion.
How he matches up with Reese:
If Reese doesn’t end the struggle shortly, he’s virtually actually going to be taken down. His takedown protection is missing, however he’s proven some ability attacking from his again. Bekoev, who tends to remain in guard when on high, will probably be prone to submissions, although he usually avoids opening up sufficient to reveal himself to actual hazard.
On the toes, Reese has extra offensive instruments, significantly together with his attain benefit. Nevertheless, Bekoev’s tighter fundamentals, like retaining his fingers excessive, distinction with Reese’s tendency to drop his fingers and present indicators of fatigue because the struggle progresses. There’s a risk Bekoev might land a big punch to drop Reese, however the extra doubtless state of affairs is Bekoev exploiting Reese’s lengthy limbs to safe takedowns and dominate from high place, incomes a choice victory.
