Introduction
Thursday, November 3rd, Russian bantamweight prospect Dariya Zheleznyakova will be in action for Ares FC, where she will be looking to continue her winning ways against Melissa Dixon. She will be looking for another win, as Zheleznyakova looks to stay undefeated and potentially score a UFC contract. She represents Sech-Pro, a respected camp in MMA. Let’s take a closer look at this prospect as this week’s “Prospect Spotlight.”
Strengths
Wrestling/Top Game: Like many Russian fighters, Zhelezyakova is a power wrestler with a heavy top game. She shoots for takedowns with ease and is usually able to wrangle her opponents to the mat. From top position, she’s difficult to get out from under. Her ground-and-pound is absolutely nasty. She lands well-placed shots and does so with great power. She has used this strategy in notable wins over UFC vet Liana Jojua, formerly undefeated Gozel Zutova and Iryna Kyselova.
Power Striking: Zheleznyakova has solid striking technique, but it’s her stopping power is something to behold. She does have one-shot knockout power, as she’s displayed in her fights. She one by one-punch knockout in her pro debut and has hurt other opponents with her heavy hands in other fights. She’s aggressive in her strikes as she usually sets up takedowns with her hands, but that doesn’t mean her hands are not dangerous as well.
Needs Improvement
Not Much…: I have been watching Zheleznyakova and she looks to be a legitimate blue-chip prospect. She hasn’t showed any holes in her game yet.
Outlook
UFC Title Contender: I am really high on Zheleznyakova, as I think she could be a player in the UFC women’s bantamweight division when she eventually gets there. Her wrestling is a real key, as there aren’t as many female wrestlers in MMA. Within several fights, I think she could be in title contention in the UFC. That’s how highly I think of Zheleznyakova, and thankfully that’s the last time I have to type her last name in this scouting report.
MMA Intel 