Roosevelt Roberts vs Ignacio Bahamondes Analysis and Prediction
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Roosevelt Roberts (10-2) vs Ignacio Bahamondes (11-4)
Lightweight (155)
Roosevelt Roberts
LOVE LOVE LOVE me some Roosevelt Roberts. Roberts has struggled over the past couple of years, foolishly walking himself into a Jim Miller armbar and Kevin Croom standing guillotine. At twenty-seven, there is still time for Roberts to learn from his mistakes, but he cannot afford many more losses if he wants to continue to be considered a prospect. Despite his 6’2″ frame, Roberts has been wrapped up by the wilier opponents (Pichel/Miller) and exhibited a lack of natural strength. Perhaps an eventual jump in weight could solve that, but likewise, greater defensive awareness to avoid the clinch could paper over the cracks in the meantime.
Ignacio Bahamondes
Although I haven’t had the same time to get hyped, I am also starting to love me some Bahamondes. The Chilean is a freakish 6’3″ at Lightweight with a penchant for volume striking and fantastic probing kicks. Despite patches of success against John Makdessi, Bahmondes’ reliance upon his chin saw him lose on the scorecards based on the cleanliness of shots eaten. Worse yet, despite his awkward frame, Roberts has a clear advantage on the mat. The clinch is the battlefield between a technically sharper Roberts and a taller Bahamondes.
Predicted Result: Bahamondes Decision
Very, very, very close fight to call. Two incredibly fun prospects, with Bahamondes’ size and volume striking favoured to overwhelm the technically sharper Roberts. If Roberts is unable to find a way around Bahamondes’ size in the clinch and find a way to take this to the mat, the Chilean could well win an ugly, evenly matched affair based on gritty volume.
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