Introduction
Friday, June 21st, Russian middleweight prospect Azamat Bekoev will be in action for LFA, where he will be looking continue his winning ways against Chauncey Foxworth. He will be looking for another win, as Bekoev looks to inch closer to a contract with the UFC. He represents American Top Team, a top camp in MMA. Let’s take a closer look at this prospect as this week’s “Prospect Spotlight.”
Introduction
Wrestling: Surprise, surprise, a Russian fighter is known for having good wrestling. Bekoev gets to work quickly closing the distance with his striking and looking for the takedown. He is very efficient in doing so, as seen his overseas experience and since coming to the states in recent years. He has good top control and ground-and-pound, which aid him in searching for the finish. Back in 2019, he scored a massive slam knockout, showing his power and prowess in overwhelming his opponents with his wrestling. Also…
Submissions/Chokes: …Bekoev has very good submissions. His grip strength is evident from his wrestling, but it also comes into play with his submission grappling, as he is known for grabbing necks and securing the choke. Eight of his seventeen pro wins come by way of submission, including by way of rear-naked, arm-triangle, guillotine and north-south choke. If this guy grabs your neck, you better get out quick or you will be put out quick.
Needs Improvement
Matching Up Against Fellow Wrestler: When Bekoev has faltered in the past, it has been against other fighters with equal or better wrestling. All three are very respected fighters in Magomedrasul Gasanov, Ibragim Magomedov and Rafal Haratyk, the latter of whom actually choked out Bekoev in Bekoev’s only loss by finish. However, when his best asset is cancelled out, his wrestling, he can be controlled and outmatched.
Outlook
UFC Midcarder: Given his improvements with American Top Team and his championship status with LFA, it’s only a matter of time before he makes the UFC. There are a lot of great wrestlers on the roster, which is where he may run into problems, but there are a number of guys on the UFC roster that Bekoev can beat right now. It appears he is getting set up with an eventual migration over, as he defends his title against Chauncey Foxworth here, a longtime veteran of the sport who is underrated. However, Foxworth will be at a disadvantage with Bekoev, as the Russian has a style that Foxworth has a history of struggling with.
MMA Intel 