UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs. Perez is coming up this Saturday and it features a good card. Starting with the main event, the card has plenty of upcoming talent looking to stake their name. However, the co-main event also has a nice story to it.
Ryan Spann and Bogdan Guskov is a light heavyweight bout that features two such fighters. Both fighters are looking to grow their name in the division, with a win putting everyone else on notice.
With that, let’s dive into the match-up further. What should each fighter watch for? What makes each MMA fighter unique in their upcoming bout?
The Tape on Ryan Spann
Ryan Spann (21-9) has been around the block. Fighting since 2013, the native of Beaumont, Texas, previously fought in LFA. Here, he was the Light Heavyweight Champion, leading him to his current position at UFC. Currently, Spann is ranked #11 in the light heavyweight division.
The one thing that stands out with Spann’s game is his wrestling acumen. He knows how to control his foe’s body parts, taking them out of the equation. However, the former champion must be better at defense. Spann’s prone to being knocked around the ring, where he can be dealt severe blows. In turn, he can easily lose control of the fight, leading to defeat.
But that’s not to say that Spann’s terrible. The Beaumont native can quickly turn the tables with a devastating strike. That’s what he’ll need on Saturday, where he can win with timely grappling and striking.
The Tape on Bogdan Guskov
Like Ryan Spann, Bogdan Guskov (15-3) can land the big blow. The Uzbekistan native isn’t afraid to go on the offensive, keeping his opponent from the middle of the ring. Therefore, he’s going to be a massive threat for Spann early on.
Guskov is also a pure striker, landing 2.43 significant strikes a minute. That’s it. He only knows how to pummel his opponents into oblivion, carrying heavy fists with him. If the light heavyweight fighter gets an opening from Spann in the fight, that could be the opening he needs to win on Saturday.
The Verdict
For me, this fight screams Bogdan Guskov purely for his striking ability. There’s being careless on the offensive front and there’s being aggressive and calculated on the offense. The Uzbekistan native knows how to calculate his strikes accordingly, making him a threat.
Also, Ryan Spann is prone to getting overwhelmed in a fight. If his opponent catches him off-guard, the Beaumont native is in trouble. The feeling is that Guskov will catch on to that opportunity and end the fight, possibly in a quick fashion.
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