The MMA Daily

Preview

An important fight in the Flyweight division is upon us, as Zhalgas ‘Zhako’ Zhumagulov takes on Manel ‘Starboy’ Kape. These two Flyweights are not too different. They both excelled on the regional scene and came into the UFC with potential to be contenders. However, both dropped their first two fights inside the octagon. Oddly enough, one of those losses, the media and majority had seen them as the winner. Regardless, both bounced back in their third UFC fight and will meet in an all-important bout. The winner could find themselves ranked, whereas the loser may receive a pink slip.

Prediction

This should be a fun one, as both men are talented and are mainly strikers. Zhalgas Zhumagulov brings forth pressure, decent volume, precision and debilitating leg kicks. While the latter was shown more on the regional scene, as well as some power, Zhumagulov is still a solid striker. With some wrestling chops, Zhumagulov can mix it up if needed. As for Kape, he’s more crafty and powerful on the feet. Before joining the UFC, Kape liked to brawl. Since joining, however, he’s been more tempered, hesitant and keen on picking his shots. Perhaps Kape’s last fight awoke the beast though, as he picked up a devastating flying knee knockout over Ode Osbourne. His fifteenth stoppage victory in sixteen wins. 

As for a prediction, I have Kape winning. While Zhumagulov brings forth more volume, his pressure plays into Kape’s counter striking. With legitimate power in his hands, I see Kape often stopping Zhumagulov in his tracks. Other than Tyson Nam, I don’t think Zhumagulov has faced anyone who can crack like Kape. Of course, Zhumagulov has shown an excellent chin, having been stopped only once in nineteen fights. However, I’m going against the grain here and predicting that Kape wins via knockout.