Introduction
Saturday, March 23rd, Slovakian bantamweight prospect Lucia Szabova will be in action for Oktagon, where she will be looking continue her undefeated ways against Roza Gumienna. She will be looking for another win, as Szabova looks to inch closer to a UFC contract. She represents Hanuman Gym, a solid camp in MMA. Let’s take a closer look at this prospect as this week’s “Prospect Spotlight.”
Strengths
Striking: Szabova has an extensive Muay Thai background, which is the basis of most of her fights: striking. She’s a good, technical striker with excellent kicks and good power in her hands. She moves well on the feet and takes good angles when she throws combinations, which score in good volume. Of her six pro MMA wins, just two are by knockout, but that’s only because she’s a rounded fighter.
Offensive Submissions: Szabova is a Thai fighter, but she is definitely well-rounded and has shown a strong offensive submission arsenal. Three of her six wins come by tapout, with her trademark being the armbar. She can be offensive off her back, but obviously she’s most dangerous when she’s on top and in control.
Needs Improvement
Counter-Wrestling: Szabova is certainly well-rounded and it’s tough to find a major weakness, but as seen in her exhibition bout with now-UFC fighter Tereza Bleda, Szabova’s wrestling can be exposed. While we explained she has solid submission grappling, if she’s controlled on the mat, she can be held there by a strong wrestler. The best wrestlers are in the UFC, though the women’s bantamweight division isn’t exactly brimming with world-class wrestlers, which is why if she keeps improving this facet of her game, she’s a real threat at 135.
Outlook
Top-15 BW: Szabova is just 26 years old, so she’s the right age to make her run to the top of the division. I think she can be competitive given more MMA experience and stepping up gradually. With her high-level striking and ability to score tapouts, she has a base that will lend her well. With how shallow the women’s bantamweight talent pool is and how skilled Szabova is, she could make a good run in the UFC and score some strong wins.
MMA Intel 