Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Bosnian as he takes on rising lightweight Mairbek Taisumov at Fight Night 86 in Zagreb, Croatia. Damir “The Bosnian Bomber” Hadzovic Hometown: Gorazde, Bosnia Age: 29 Height: 6’0” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Rumble Sports Career Record: 10-2 Key Wins: John Maguire Key Losses: Krzystof Jotko, Andreas Stahl Background The Bosnian fighter has a pretty decent competitive pedigree fighting as high as middleweight against the likes of Krzystof Jotko. His biggest win to date is over former UFC fighter John Maguire. He’s fought in some of the top organizations in Europe including Cage Warriors and Venator FC. He enters the UFC on a six fight winning streak. Strengths
- Decent striking from range
- Snapping lower leg kicks
- Really good footwork
- Powerful knees in the clinch
- Uses elbows when in top control to inflict maximum damage
- Fights better as the fight wears on
Weaknesses
- Lacks volume in his striking
- Can be pushed back by active strikers
- Too comfortable striking from range
- Striking technique needs improvement
Matchup against Mairbek Taisumov Perhaps the most underrated fight on the entire card as Bosnian Damir Hadzovic takes on Chechnya’s Mairbek Taisumov. Hadzovic is big for the weight class. He combines that physicality with good footwork, a decent kickboxing approach, and excellent work in the clinch. He has decent fundamentals which, in my mind, make him UFC ready. Unfortunately for Hadzovic, he’s facing a buzz saw in Taisumov. While I think Hadzovic is capable of having some success on the feet, the difference in this fight comes down to creativity. Taisumov has a lot more variety in his striking particularly at range. In a fight where Taisumov would prefer to fight at range, he’s the more accurate, more creative striker and will land regularly from the outside. Hadzovic needs to get the fight to the clinch to the win and I don’t see that happening against a strong, disciplined Taisumov. Hadzovic should have some success in the UFC, but this is a very difficult introduction into the promotion. Look for Taisumov to win a clear decision. UFC Ceiling The Bosnian Bomber enters the UFC with a decent pedigree having fought a handful of current and former UFC fighters. He’s long for the weight class with a decent stand up game. He’s a pretty resilient fighter that has never been finished and tends to fight better as the fight goes longer. Both of those are traits that tend to see fighters outperform their skill sets. In order to have a lengthy career in the organization, he needs to further refine his technique in the standup and show significant development in the wrestling department. If he’s unable to do that, expect him to be utilized as a decent action fighter capable of winning against lower level competition in spectacular fashion. Fight Film Check out Damir Hadzovic in some of his most recent fights: Damir Hadzovic vs. John Maguire Damir Hadzovic vs. Ivan Musrado