Here is a game preview and prediction for the heavyweight bout between Ricardo Prasel and Szymon Bajor.
Event Date: September 20, 10:00 AM EST
Weight Class: Heavyweight
Betting Odds: Szymon Bajor -180 (Favorite), Ricardo Prasel +140 (Underdog)
In an intriguing international heavyweight clash, the veteran grit of Poland’s Szymon Bajor meets the towering submission threat of Brazil’s Ricardo Prasel. With Bajor entering as a significant favorite, this fight presents a classic contrast in styles that will test whether experience and pressure can overcome raw physical advantages and specialized skill.
The Case for Szymon Bajor (-180)
Szymon Bajor is the definition of a battle-tested veteran. With a career spanning well over a decade and fights in major promotions like KSW, RIZIN, and PFL, he has seen nearly every style of opponent. Bajor is not a flashy knockout artist; instead, his success is built on a foundation of durability, relentless pressure, and a grinding clinch/wrestling game.
Path to Victory: Bajor’s game plan should be straightforward: close the distance immediately. He cannot afford to stay at the end of Prasel’s massive reach. He needs to turn this into a grueling fight in a phone booth. By pressing Prasel against the cage, working for takedowns, and implementing heavy top control, Bajor can drain the Brazilian’s gas tank and nullify his primary submission weapons. His key to winning is to make this an ugly, physical affair, winning minutes and rounds through control and ground-and-pound, likely en route to a decision or a late TKO.
The Case for Ricardo Prasel (+140)
Ricardo “Zumbi” Prasel is a physical anomaly in the heavyweight division. Standing at a reported 6’7″, the former professional soccer goalkeeper possesses a staggering reach advantage over almost every opponent he faces. More importantly, he is a highly decorated BJJ black belt with a knack for finding submissions from anywhere.
Path to Victory: Prasel is a live underdog precisely because of his finishing ability. His most direct route to an upset is to use his length on the feet, keeping Bajor at bay with long jabs and front kicks. If and when the fight hits the mat, Prasel is immediately dangerous. Whether he’s pulling guard for a triangle choke or snatching a guillotine during a takedown attempt, his long limbs create submission threats that are difficult for opponents to navigate. He doesn’t need to win a 15-minute war of attrition; he just needs one opening to lock in a fight-ending hold.
The X-Factor: The Clinch
This fight will likely be decided in the clinch and during takedown scrambles. Can Bajor successfully pin the much larger Prasel against the cage and work him to the ground without exposing his neck? Or will Prasel be able to use his frame to create space, land knees, and threaten with chokes as Bajor tries to close in? The fighter who dominates these transitional phases will likely have their hand raised.
Prediction
While Ricardo Prasel’s size and submission prowess make him a constant threat and a tempting underdog pick, Szymon Bajor’s style is often the kryptonite for specialists. The Polish veteran is durable enough to withstand some early danger and experienced enough to avoid the most obvious submission traps.
Expect Bajor to weather an awkward first round as he figures out the range. From there, he will likely turn up the pressure, close the distance, and grind on Prasel against the cage and on the mat. While a finish is possible, Bajor’s MO is to wear opponents down. Look for him to secure takedowns, control the position, and do enough damage to win a hard-fought decision on the scorecards.
Official Pick: Szymon Bajor by Unanimous Decision.****Sources:
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