Bantamweight bout: Ruslan Abiltarov (+175) vs James Brum (-245) Fight Breakdown: The Cage Warriors 58 main card features a bantamweight scrap between Ukraine’s 21 year old Ruslan Abiltarov and Cage Warriors veteran James Brum. Abiltarov is currently the underdog at +175 (bet $100 to win $175) with the favorite Brum being -245 (bet $245 to win $100) at Several Bookmakerss. Ruslan Abiltarov (10-2 MMA, 0-0 Cage Warriors) makes his promotional debut riding a three fight win streak. This is Abiltarov’s first fight in the bantamweight division, as he is dropping down from featherweight. He has been competing in mixed martial arts as a professional for only one year, as his first pro MMA bout was on July 27th, 2012. Ablitarov once fought three times in one day in a tournament, and he defeated all three opponents within the first round. Ruslan Abiltarov is a skilled grappler with decent cardio and a decent chin. It is very hard to find tape on him, so I can’t really speak much for his striking skills, one way or the other. All in all, Abiltarov is a decent prospect with potential, but he has not yet faced any tough opposition and I believe James Brum will without a doubt be his toughest test to date. James Brum (12-2 MMA, 5-0 Cage Warriors) makes his sixth appearance in the Cage Warriors promotion, as he is one of their featured rising prospects. Brum has great cardio and pretty good takedowns; he is able to set his takedowns up nicely with strikes. James Brum possesses solid takedown defense but if taken down, he works well from the bottom. He has good submission defense, but doesn’t offer too much of an offensive submission threat. Only one of his twelve career victories have come by way of submission, and it was an impressive reverse triangle choke. Brum throws nice kicks and is able to switch stances really well while putting on an effective attack. His leg kicks are especially nice, as he repeatedly whips his opponents with them. James Brum works well against the cage and uses his head there to help control his opponents. Brum has good footwork and circles well; he also has solid striking defense. Brum will hold both a skill and experience advantage over Abiltarov going into this bout, and looks to build on his win streak, hopefully earning him a contract with the UFC. Fight Prediction: Brum gets the better of Abiltarov in the early going of the fight and Abiltarov manages a come from behind victory. Gabe’s Pick: Ruslan Abiltarov by Submission (rear naked choke, 4:29 round 3) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Ruslan Abiltarov +175 — .5u for the upset.
