The Wild Chanco Enters the Caldas Cauldron of Pain

Lucas Caldas is allowing Magomed Zaynukov, the "Wild Chanco," to step into the octagon with him after Zaynukov has had a straight five-win fight streak. Caldas does have a height advantage over Zaynukov, so it's likely the "Wild Chanco" will have to be wary of Caldas' striking capabilities. Both, though, are sitting around the same weight, and as far as the ground game is concerned, both are well-rounded in that regard. It should be noted that although this event is a premier event, it differs in scope from the fights in Qatar, which will take place in the lightweight division. However, it will be a big debut for both of these fighters and the skill sets they have amassed over time. Caldas' preferred take down of Zaynukov will more than likely revolve around how he got his past wins over his last five fights.

This includes largely KO/TKOs by punches, where his past opponents succumbed to his orthodox stance. Surprisingly, so is the "Wild Chanco," and this gives him even more of an equal footing. It has been seen, though, that Zaynukov may not have the same striking capabilities as Caldas, as evidenced by his past wins that were decided by unanimous decision. Although he still won three out of his five past fights with punches. It will be to his benefit, too, if he can secure a strong ground game against Caldas. His grappling skills have been seen as more developed than those of his opponent. Keep in mind that, although they both have seven fights each, meaning their UFC careers are only just beginning, it will be great to track their development as they hone their skills later on. Current projections place the fight in Caldas's favor if it goes to decision, while other predictions put Zaynukov as the victor by punches alone. That could be the case, but anything goes in the fight world. 

The prediction that will matter, though, will be whether Zaynukov can survive five rounds in the Caldas' Cauldron of Pain. So far, he has gone the distance with other fighters before, but with this being a premier fight, it's hard to say, since standing is not his best strength. Caldas will have to be cautious, too, as he's facing someone who has survived onslaughts while putting the fight up to a decision. Both fighters will be outside of their home countries, too, which may be best for a neutral decision-making process to be achieved.