Hall vs Topuria Analysis and Prediction
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Ryan Hall (8-1) vs Ilia Topuria (10-0)
Featherweight (145)
Ryan Hall
Despite two full years out the octagon (save a couple of days), Ryan Hall returns with a huge amount of anticipation. Owning one of the most unique skillsets across MMA, Hall’s exceptional BJJ is a threat to anyone at Featherweight. How Hall gets the fight to the mat, however, is more often the entertaining aspect of his fights. Fighting behind long, explosive kicks in the knowledge that opponents are unwilling to take him down, Hall battered Darren Elkins and Gray Maynard. Still, regular injuries, an ageing body and less than stellar scalps on the record leave question marks over Hall’s future in the sport.
Ilia Topuria
Topuria is a ridiculously aggressive body destroyer. Representing one of the only fighters on the roster that will actively seek to test Hall on the mat, Topuria’s hot pursuit for submissions could catch him in hot water. Fortunately for Topuria, his stand-up should work a treat. Crisp boxing, specifically his continued focus on the body, will land far more often than Hall’s ambitious spinning kicks. If Topuria can remain savvy enough to prevent a Ryan Hall roll and heel hook combo, his boxing in the pocket and top game should inflict serious damage.
Predicted Result: Topuria Decision
Despite two full years out the octagon (save a couple of days), Ryan Hall returns with a huge amount of anticipation. Hall’s exceptional BJJ is a threat to anyone at Featherweight if he can coax opponents to the mat. Fighting behind long, explosive kicks, Hall explodes on the feet, safe in the knowledge that opponents are unwilling to take him down. Topuria represents one of the only fighters on the roster that will actively seek to test Hall on the mat. Crisp boxing, specifically his continued focus on the body, will land far more often than Hall’s ambitious spinning kicks. If Topuria remains alert to Hall’s unorthodox rolls, his boxing and top game should inflict serious damage.
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