Phillips vs Paiva Analysis and Prediction
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KYler Phillips (9-1) vs Raulian Paiva (20-3)
Bantamweight (135)
Kyler Phillips
A strong BJJ threat on the mat, Phillips surprised Song Yadong with a beautiful back-foot boxing display. Utilising crisp footwork, Phillips’ lateral movement kept Yadong chasing thin air all night. Better yet, Phillips has a knack for landing head kicks off the back-foot, an incredibly difficult but effective strike to time. Against Paiva, Phillips physicality should prove key as he has the size to tie up opponents to create space and suffocate dangerous situations. After watching Phillips fight Yadong, it became abundantly apparent that he is a teammate of Sean O’Malley. The major difference to biscuit legs, however, is Phillips is far more comfortable moving off the back-foot. The American’s declining output towards the end of his last outing is a worry though, especially when considering Paiva’s relentless volume.
Raulian Paiva
Moving up to Bantamweight and filling in as a late notice replacement for Raphael Assuncao, Paiva is up against it on Saturday. While the move to 135 may plaster over a lack of speed found at Flyweight, Paiva will still struggle to catch Phillips with single shots. Instead, the Brazilian’s ability to stalk opponents out of the pocket with long combinations can break the initial layers of Phillips’ back-foot defence and burn his gas tank. With a wealth of experience and a consistent approach to every fight, Paiva could find major success during the later rounds with extended exchanges. Although likely to find himself on his back at some point, Paiva remains active with elbows and has enough know-how to work himself back up.
Predicted Result: Phillips Decision
Phillips has certainly surprised since entering the UFC. Marketed as a BJJ threat, the American instead laid down a classy back-foot kickboxing display against hot prospect Song YaDong. Liquid footwork and the ability to time difficult head kicks off the back-foot are key to Phillips’ success standing. Paiva, a last-minute replacement and moving up to Bantamweight, will have to rely on his gas tank, experience and durability to find success. Possessing decent TDD, Paiva needs to stalk Phillips with long combinations and break his initial defensive layers. Unfortunately, the size difference will prove too much on the night for the Brazilian.
Want to view analysis and predictions for all the match-ups on UFC on ESPN 27?
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