UFC Fight Night 34 Date: January 4, 2013 Arena: Marina Bay sands City: Marina Bay, Singapore. Lightweight bout: Tae Hyun Bang (+245) vs Mairbek Taisumov (-305) Fight Breakdown: The preliminary card for UFC Fight Night 34 will feature a lightweight contest between a South Korean and a Chechnyan, when Tae Hyun Bang takes on Mairbek Taisumov. Bang is the underdog in his bout at +245 ($100 to win $245), with Taisumov being a favorite at -305 ($305 to win $100). at Several Bookmakerss. TAE HYUN BANG (16-7 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is making his professional debut coming off of a second round victory in South Korea just over six months ago. That was his first bout in two and a half years, as he had taken time away from fighting to serve in the South Korean military. That was not his choice, though, as it was mandatory service. His only fight back was against a low level opponent, and Taisumov is a big step up since. Two and a half years away from action, then winning a gimme, and then taking another six months off before taking a huge step up. I think he is still suffering from ring rust, and may not be ready for such a test. Bang is a skilled striker who possesses very heavy hands, especially for a lightweight. He throws nice leg kicks, and likes to work the inside leg. He likes to remain technical, and has excellent timing. He throws solid punches, including a nice straight-right. He certainly has knockout power, and could put just about anyone at 155 to sleep if he connects properly. From the tape of him I have seen, I have not seen him engage in much offensive grappling, aside from some ground and pound he did, though that was the result of knocking his opponent down with a punch, and not scoring a takedown. His offensive grappling remains questionable to me, though if I would have to guess, I would say it’s not very good and he would be a fish out of water against a talented grappler. What leads me to say that is the fact that his defensive grappling is atrocious. He has a good base and his takedown defense is decent, but once taken down, he is in trouble. His submission defense is very poor, as he tends to leave his neck and arms out there for his opponents. Another big question mark for Bang going into this match-up would definitely be his conditioning. He has not gone the distance since back to back decision losses to current UFC lightweights Jorge Masvidal and Takanori Gomi in 2008. MAIRBEK TAISUMOV (20-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will be making his Octagon debut while on the heels of a three fight win streak that includes three finishes. He makes a quick turnaround after his last fight, where he took out Artiom Damkovsky by third round rear naked choke submission. That fight was just over one month ago, so this is an incredibly quick turnaround for the Chechnyan. He is a very talented striker who possesses very powerful leg kicks, and has a variety of them in his arsenal. His striking, especially kicks are beautiful and diverse. He has good head movement, and he circles well. He is also very good with his faints. The 25 year old likes to keep his opponents guessing, and he also has solid striking defense, which should benefit him against Bang, as being caught by a heavy punch is the only thing he needs to look out for in this match-up. Taisumov, or as I like to call him, Iron Mike Tysumov, is a very quick athlete who shoots for powerful takedowns, and is good at scoring them. He likes getting takedowns mostly with the double leg, or with a body-lock. likes to remain active, push the pace, and be the aggressor, so I expect him to have Octagon control against Bang, and be the one who dictates where the fight goes. While he is a talented striker, I think it would be wise of him to take this fight to the mat, where he will have the grappling advantage over the South Korean. The Chechnyan likes to work the top position on the mat, and employs a vicious ground and pound attack that often results in a TKO, or creates openings for him to sink in his favorite finishing move, the rear naked choke. Taisumov is a well-conditioned athlete who will be prepared to go to war for fifteen minutes, should the fight go the distance. Fight Prediction: Taisumov is a great striker and has the advantage on the feet, but I think he has a bigger advantage on the mat, so I think he will play it smart, and the fight should eventually hit the mat, where he will work his way to Bang’s back, and eventually secure the tap. Gabe’s Pick: Mairbek Taisumov by Submission (rear naked choke, 3:23 round 1) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Taisumov (-305) parlayed with Kang (-305) for 4.55u to win 3.5u
