Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at flyweight Magomed Bibulatov as he makes her UFC debut against the Philippines Jenel Lausa at UFC 210 in Buffalo, New York. Magomed Bibulatov Hometown: Grozny, Russia Age: 28 Height: 5-foot-5 Reach: NA Weight Class: Flyweight Camp: Fight Club Berkut Career Record: 13-0 Key Wins: Taylor Lapilus Key Losses: None Background The undefeated Chechen has fought the majority of his career in his native Russia. He had a lone appearance in World Series of Fighting in 2015. Bibulatov has come into the UFC on a tear, finishing his last two opponents inside of two rounds. Strengths
- Good movement
- Heavy use of kicks
- Physically strong grappler
- Variety of takedown attempts
- When he senses an opportunity, he goes for the finisher
Weaknesses
- Not a technical striker
- Too reliant on counterstriking on the feet
Fighter Grade Offensive Striking: C Striking Defense: C- Knockout Power: C+ Athleticism / Speed: B Footwork: B- Chin: C+ Offensive Wrestling: A- Takedown Defense: B+ Submissions: C Conditioning: B- Intangibles: B Overall Grade: B Matchup with Jenel Lausa The best Russian flyweight prospect Bibulatov makes his UFC debut at UFC 210 against Jenel Lausa. This is a fight designed for Bibulatov to win and to do so impressively. Lausa is a very talented striker and a good athlete. He beat up Yao Zhikui in his UFC debut, but he was even taken down once in that fight. Bibulatov is a far superior grappler than Zhikui and should have no issue getting Lausa to the mat. Bibulatov could certainly submit Lausa in this bout, but if he doesn’t, he will win a wide decision. It’s difficult to see Bibulatov not being able to dominate this fight from start to finish. Bibulatov (-470) is deserving of being a large favorite, and I’d even peg him to be even a bit bigger (-550). If you are in need of a parlay piece, Bibulatov is certainly one fighter to consider. Furthermore, I’m waiting for the Bibulatov points handicap. I see him winning all three rounds of this fight and doing so in a way where the round winner will be cut and dry. UFC Ceiling Bibulatov is one of the better fighters to enter the UFC in recent years. He’s a capable striker, but more importantly, he’s already an excellent wrestler with solid fundamentals. He’ll be able to compete in the UFC right away and enter the flyweight division’s Top 15 in 2017. Bibulatov is a fighter I could potentially see fighting for the UFC flyweight championship within two years. Fight Film Check out Bibulatov in some of his most recent fights… Bibulatov vs. Giovanni da Silva Santos Jr. Bibulatov vs. Donavon Frelow