WSOF 24: Flyweight Title Breakdown RJ Gardner October 14, 2015 Events, Previews, Promotions, Spotlight, WSOF, WSOF Events Once again, Ray Sefo and his team at World Series of Fighting have put together an enticing event. On Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, WSOF will head to the Foxwoods Casino Resort in Mashantucket, Conn., for World Series of Fighting 24: Fitch vs. Okami. Headlined by a welterweight clash between battle tested veterans and anchored by two title fights, WSOF 24 is an event fight fans should be salivating for. In addition to that, the event features intriguing matchups that feature established veteran talent and exciting up and comers. Even though a new WSOF champion will be crowned, the inaugural flyweight title fight between undefeated prospects Magomed Bibulatov and Donavon Frelow is completely flying under the radar. Bibulatov and Frelow are two of the flyweight division’s top young talents and the winner of this bout will establish themselves as a force. Striking Bibulatov and Frelow like most other flyweight utilize quick in and out movement to create attack angles but neither fighter should be considered an elite striker. Frelow will have a advantage in hand speed, but Bibulatov’s combat sambo experience leads to him having an advantage in establishing rage and power. Advantage: Bibulatov Grappling This is where both Bibulatov and Frelow shine. Between takedowns, scrambles and passes Bibulatov and Frelow do their best work on the ground. These fighters aren’t going to the ground just looking to grind and maintain position either; they are looking to finish fights. This is a close area to determine but Bibulatov should have the edge. Advantage: Bibulatov Submissions Just like in grappling, Bibulatov and Frelow both excel in the submission game. Both men have four career wins by submission and both have shown some variety in their submissions. The edge here has to go to Frelow. Bibulatov may be better at setting things up with his grappling but Frelow is more opportunistic with his submissions making him more dangerous. Advantage: Frelow X Factors Frelow’s X Factor heading into Saturday will be the weight cut; up until this point Frelow has spent his time at bantamweight. Cutting an additional 10 pounds could be boom or bust for the young fighter. Bibulatov’s X factor heading into Saturday will be jet lag. This will be Bibulatov’s first career fight in the US and that long trip from Chechnya could lead to performance issues in the decagon. Prediction: Bibulatov via Unanimous Decision
