Casual fans aren't quite sure what to make of Ali Bagautinov. He doesn't have the striking or popularity like Joseph Benavidez. He doesn't have the knockout power like John Dodson. This is a new contender at flyweight, which has people speculating if he's legit. While he hasn't face many notable flyweight contenders, he soundly defeated what the division had to offer as contenders. Tim Elliot always presents issues, yet Bagautinov took him down on several occasions and got the better of the striking exchanges. Despite his problems of missing weight, John Lineker had been knocking everyone out at flyweight. Bagautinov took him down at will and made him look helpless on his back at times. I'm enamored by his style, which relies on timing and finding perfect angles. His accomplishments at Sambo are impeccable and have proven to be highly effective in the octagon. Will it be effective against a much faster opponent? Elliot isn't a great athlete, while Lineker seemed to have gassed out in the third round. Neither fighter is the athlete nor technician that Johnson is. The step up in competition may be too overbearing, but I'm still a believer in him as a contender. Greg Jackson is a guru, who will present a proper game plan and try to find any particular weaknesses. He'll also make sure that Bagautinov is in top shape, considering Johnson has cardio for days. The speed and striking discrepancy could prove to be his downfall on Saturday. That still won't make me reconsider him as a worthy contender.
I cover the sport of MMA, along with being a fan of the sport since 2008. I've been covering the sport for two years now, along with interviewing several fighters. I also write on MMASucka.com. You can follow me on twitter @Allen_Strk or email at AStrk19@gmail.com
