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. Nonetheless, with Dumas out, it’s Russian Azamat Bekoev entering into the battle on brief discover. The cardboard is headlined by Islam Makhachev, taking up Renato Moicano on a day’s discover after Arman Tsarukyan was pressured out on account of a again harm.
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., notably after his success in LFA. Profitable and defending a title within the LFA typically serves as a direct pipeline to the UFC, as champions hardly ever get the possibility to defend their belts earlier than being signed. Nonetheless, Bekoev stands out, having defended his LFA title twice.
The primary purpose he hasn’t been known as up sooner is his combating model, which frequently results in selections fairly than finishes. That modified in his most up-to-date battle, 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 towards a present UFC fighter, a Contender Sequence alum, and a seasoned veteran with 28 fights to his title.
Nonetheless, Bekoev’s report is a bit deceptive. Whereas it reveals eight first-round finishes and eight submission victories, he’s removed from a submission specialist and tends to battle to safe finishes towards high-level opponents. Most of his early finishes got here towards fighters with shedding information or these previous their prime. In actuality, Bekoev’s model is extra akin to a gradual, grinding method.
He doesn’t push a excessive tempo, as an alternative working his manner ahead with single strikes and primary one-two mixtures earlier than making an attempt takedowns. Whereas his wrestling entries are strong, he struggles to complete takedowns towards the cage, relying extra on power than technical ability. His floor recreation is equally restricted—whereas he can keep 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 brief punches and elbows that every one too incessantly have little influence.
On the ft, 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 placing lacks the depth and flexibility wanted to succeed on the UFC stage.
In abstract, Bekoev’s heavy high management, restricted grappling, and subpar wrestling doubtless gained’t be sufficient for him to thrive within the UFC. His slow-paced, grinding model might safe wins towards 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 battle shortly, he’s nearly 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, might be susceptible to submissions, although he usually avoids opening up sufficient to show himself to actual hazard.
On the ft, Reese has extra offensive instruments, notably along with his attain benefit. Nonetheless, Bekoev’s tighter fundamentals, like holding his fingers excessive, distinction with Reese’s tendency to drop his fingers and present indicators of fatigue because the battle 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 call victory.
