Introduction
Saturday, March 21st, Chilean strawweight prospect Valentina Escobar will be in action for Open Fight Latam, where she will be looking continue her winning ways against Macarena Aragon. She will be looking for another win, as Escobar looks to inch closer to a UFC contract. She represents Renovacao Fight Team, a solid camp in MMA. Let’s take a closer look at this prospect as this week’s “Prospect Spotlight.”
Strengths
Kickboxing: On the feet, Escobar is a very fundamentally sound striker with a strong kickboxing attack. In her most famous bout with Jacinta Austin, where she fell by split decision, she showed some real promise on the feet, putting together some real solid hand and kick combinations. She showed good defense and footwork as well, getting the best of a good number of exchanges. She has just one finish by knockout, but her volume and accuracy are very impressive.
Submission Grappling: On the mat, Escobar is also very strong, especially when she’s on the offense. She has just two wins by way of submission by armbar and rear-naked choke, but she is very sound technically and positionally. She transitions well from position to position and very rarely gives up dominant spots on the mat. Again, in that bout with Austin, when she was on top, she was suffocating. That said…
Needs Improvement
Counter-Wrestling: …Escobar’s defensive wrestling can be challenged when pressed upon, again as seen in the aforementioned Austin fight. She’s yet to really face a high-level wrestler, which could find problematic for Escobar as she moves up the ranks. If she can be out-wrestled and controlled, it would stymie everything about her game that makes her successful.
Outlook
UFC Prelim Fighter: Escobar is just 27 years old and always getting better from fight to fight, so I have no doubt she will eventually make it to the highest level of the sport. Her current bout against ONE Championship vet Macarena Aragon will certainly test her counter-wrestling, as she has good takedowns and judo throws. However, this would be a huge win for Escobar based on her credentials. She should have the advantage on the feet and should show off her impressive striking in this bout.
MMA Intel 