Prospect in the Spotlight (Aug 2-3): Natasha Kuziutina

Introduction

Friday, August 2nd, Russian strawweight prospect Natasha Kuziutina will be in action for LFA, where she will be looking continue her winning ways against Bruna Ellen. She will be looking for another win, as Kuziutina looks to inch closer to a contract with the UFC. She represents American Top Team, a top camp in MMA. Let’s take a closer look at this prospect as this week’s “Prospect Spotlight.”

Strengths

Takedowns and Grappling: Kuziutina an Olympic-level judoka who took home the bronze medal at the 2016 games in Rio. That is her base to MMA and it’s what dictates her fights. She obviously has excellent throw, trips and takedowns due to her extensive grappling background. Once on the ground, she’s very heavy from top position. Like other judokas who took to MMA like Ronda Rousey and Kayla Harrison, she has a dangerous armbar, which has accounted for three of her five pro MMA wins.

Physical Strength: Again, like most judokas, Kuziutina is very physically strong, including in her core and balance. That helps her dominate grappling exchanges when she gets her opponents down. I don’t think many of her opponents will be able to match he physical presence.

Needs Improvement

Striking Defense: The only time Kuziutina was beaten was by now-UFC fighter Fatima Kline and she was outstruck when she wasn’t able to force enough of grappling exchanges. She doesn’t have bad striking, especially considering she comes from a grappling background. However, her movement and striking defense could still use some more work, as Kline was able to touch her a bit.

Age: Kuziutina is 35 years old. That’s very old in MMA years, especially for a sport that is advantageous for the youthful. Her window for performing at the top level is closing faster than others in her position.

Outlook

Regional Champion/UFC Prelim Fighter?: There is the potential Kuziutina could make the UFC and fight for a while. However, Dana White could pass over her due to her age. If that’s the case, she will be a regional champion like she is now with LFA and be successful at that. It’s an either-or scenario.