One of the fights you should be paying attention to this weekend would be Callum Connor vs Dennis Frimpong.
Callum is currently 4-0. His last fight was a unanimous decision victory over top prospect Charlie Balmer, who before the fight was riding a three fight win streak and looked to be the man to beat at that time.
Callum is currently 4-0. His last fight was a unanimous decision victory over top prospect Charlie Balmer, who before the fight was riding a three-fight win streak and looked to be the man to beat at that time.
This clash will come down to who controls the distance of the fight and where the exchanges take place. So far, it has been common for Callum’s opponents to push him against the cage and try to hold him there. But, so far, Callum has been able to weather those storms and retaliate with calculated shots of his own. To either reverse those positions or create distance between himself and the opponent.
Callum Connor: What We Know So Far
When Callum steps into the cage, we always know we can anticipate one thing. Calculated violence.
The style of Callum Connor has to be admired. As it is something that only a few can perfect, both as the pressure fighter and then the fighter coming under pressure themselves.
If you look at Callum’s fights, you will see how he uses that wide stance straight away. He is very good at then using his lead hand to keep his opponent in kicking range and then either coming in with the low kick. Or alternatively, the high kick in which we saw earn Callum a fifteen-second KO in his debut.
You will not want to spend any time inside the pocket clinching with Callum for any fighter. The Thai clinch is utilised perfectly, and if his fights had been pro fights, we would’ve seen a few finishes from this position due to the sheer placement and tenacity behind each knee.
Despite not wanting to be in the pocket with Callum, he is just as at risk on the outside as he is on the inside. He masks well with the feint or controls your lead hand for high kicks with various kicks. Callum will use these and cause you issues no matter where or how the fight is going.
This fight suits Callum down to the core in what will be a battle for control and range.
Denis Frimpong: What We Know So Far
For those who don’t know Denis… Get to know!
He has shown major promise so far as a well-rounded 6″2 heavy-handed (note to self that this has no effect on his speed) fighter who is 2-1.
One thing to note about his style would be how fluid he is when throwing his combinations. He uses the straight punch to control the cage and create distance. And then finally using his kicks to create a new element of deceptive striking for his opponent to gage.
In his fights so far, Denis has done brilliantly when controlling the octagon. He’s like a general that has been stationed and tasked to control the centre of the cage as he picks off at his opponents with a wide range of strikes.
Another thing to note would be the great grappling Denis possesses. Despite wanting to strike and showcase his skills in that sense. When securing a finish, he has both times secured a sub as a result of his Jiu-Jitsu skills. This can be backed up as he is a four stripe blue belt with an accomplished background in grappling. Despite facing stronger competition (strength-wise, not ability-wise), his weight distribution and positioning have seen him dominate in this element.
Who gets it done at UKFC 18?
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Featured image credits to UKFC
