Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Russian light heavyweight Adbul-Kerim Edilov as he takes on Brazilian veteran Francimar Barroso at Fight Night 81 in Boston, Massachusetts. Abdul-Kerim Edilov Hometown: Grozny, Chechen Rupublic Age: 24 Height: 6’3” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Light Heavyweight Camp: Akhmat Fight Team Career Record: 16-4 Key Wins: Jiri Prochazka Key Losses: None Background A combat sambo master of sport, Edilov is the cousin of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. He’s been fighting professionally since he turned 18 years old. He’s currently on a ten fight winning streaking with all of those wins coming inside the distance. Strengths
- Good size for the division
- Experienced fighter who has faced good regional competition
- Solid wrestling game with a good double leg takedown technique
- Accurate puncher
- Power in his hands
Weaknesses
- Not the most fluid striker
- Doesn’t combine strikes well
- Lacks athleticism of top light heavyweights
- Conditioning is a question mark
- Overaggressive in grappling exchanges and can lose position
Matchup with Francimar Barroso This is a matchup of two fighters making their US debut. Barroso has fought three times previously in the US and is coming off the biggest win of his career; a decision over Ryan Jimmo. In that fight Barroso took on someone who is primarily a stand up fighter with a karate stance. It’s a much different matchup here as Edilov is an accomplished sambo fighter with a very good wrestling game. Barroso doesn’t excel in any particular area and has won past fights by pushing opponents against the fence. That will be a tall order for Barroso against someone as big and strong Edilov. Look for the Chechen fighter to show off his wrestling ability scoring takedowns in this bout and battering Barroso with ground and pound. Of Edilov’s 16 career wins, 15 of them have come in the first round. Look for that trend to continue here. At time of publication, Edilov ITD is nearly even money (-104). Given his propensity to finish opponents, this presents a good opportunity as compared to the money line. UFC Ceiling Abdul-Kerim Edilov is one of the better light heavyweight prospects in the past couple years. He has good size and wrestling that should fit in well in the weight class. He has a nicely rounded skill set for someone of his age. As he keeps working to improve his striking, he can certainly be a top 15 fighter in the division. Ultimately, I think he will be limited on athleticism and conditioning once he’s pushed into deep waters by the better fighters in the division. Fight Film Check out Abdul-Kerim Edilov in some of his most recent fights: Abdul-Kerim Edilov vs. Leonardo Gosling Abdul-Kerim Edilov vs. Tiago Monaco Tosato