Ricardo Ramos
Age: 22
Nationality: Brazilian
MMA Record: 11-1
UFC Record: 2-0
Notable Wins: Aiemann Zahabi, Michinori Tanaka
Notable Losses: None
Last Fight: KO win over Aiemann Zahabi
Fighter Profile: One of the top prospects in the bantamweight division, Ramos has had an amazing start to his UFC career so far. In his debut he was able to show off a complete game by taking a decision over Tanaka while he showed off his finishing power in his KO win over Zahabi in his last fight. At only 22, Ramos should continue to get better every time we see him. Nearly all of his career victories have come by stoppage. He knows how to finish fights and as he gets more experienced he’s going to be even more dangerous, so the rest of the bantamweight division better be on notice for him.
Kyung Ho Kang
Age: 30
Nationality: South Korean
MMA Record: 14-7, 1 NC
UFC Record: 3-1, 1 NC
Notable Wins: Michinori Tanaka, Guido Cannetti
Notable Losses: Chico Camus
Last Fight: Submission win over Guido Cannetti
Fighter Profile: A standout fighter out of South Korea, Kang has had an overall solid career in the UFC, albeit one marred by a lenghty absense from the sport due to mandatory military service. That four-year break sapped a lot of his momentum but he kept on his winning ways with a submission win over Cannetti in his return to the sport. Kang showed in that fight what he does best, and that’s submit his opponents on the ground. He has a terrific submission game and anytime his fights go to the ground they are a joy to watch.
Fight Breakdown: I think this is going to be one of the better fights on the undercard. Stylistically, this should be a very intriguing matchup if it hits the ground and the fighters grapple as both of these guys know what they are doing on the ground. That being said, I like Ramos to win this fight. He’s the younger fighter and so far he’s looked amazing in the UFC and possibly a guy who could eventually contend for the bantamweight belt. Ramos should be able to use his wrestling to control this fight, either keeping it on the feet where he should have a striking advantage over Kang, or even staying in top position on the ground. Kang is a crafty veteran and is difficult to finish, but I think Ramos will outwork him and win a decision.
Prediction: Ricardo Ramos via decision
