Introduction
Tuesday, December 30th, Russian heavyweight prospect Alexander Soldatkin was supposed to be in action for Rizin against Ryan Bader, but Bader to drop out due to injury. Soldatkin figures to fight a replacement opponent, so let’s examine him as a prospect now. He represents Spitfire Gym, a solid camp in MMA. Let’s take a closer look at this prospect as this week’s “Prospect Spotlight.”
Strengths
Striking and Power: The 6’2″, 250-pound Russo-German fighter is a big, powerful guy when it comes to stopping power and physical prowess. On the feet, Soldatkin does his best work, especially with his hands. He does have hard low kicks, but the knockout power in his hands is the best quality he has when on the feet. Eleven of his eighteen wins come by way of knockout, including his wins over Roggers Souza and Edivan Santos. The man can knock you out.
Needs Improvement
Counter-Wrestling: As seen in his Contender Series bout with Mario Piazzon, Soldatkin struggled when on the defensive in the clinch and wrestling. Piazzon, while still fresh, was able to control him against the cage and get Soldatkin to the mat. Piazzon is not exactly Randy Couture when it comes to wrestling, meaning Soldatkin could be exposed if he takes on a high-level wrestler in the cage.
Outlook
Rizin HW Champ: At 32 years old, Soldatkin’s prospects of going to the UFC seem slipping away quickly. Luckily, he’s found a home in Rizin, who will utilize him in their heavyweight division. Soldatkin figures to be the best heavyweight they’re going to have (along with Ryan Bader if he does end up fighting for Rizin). Without Bader as his opponent, I think Soldatkin defeats whoever he has to fight for the Rizin Heavyweight Championship. It was a shame he didn’t get to the UFC after the Contender Series DQ, as it was a solid come-from-behind win otherwise (had it not been a DQ).
MMA Intel 