Welterweights
Magomed Umalatov (12-0, 3-0 PFL) vs. Dilano Taylor (10-3 2-2 PFL)Taylor made the most of short-notice opportunities in 2022, including a first-round technical knockout of Rory MacDonald in the PFL playoffs. Coincidentally, that was supposed to be Umalatov’s fight, and one has to think the result would have been similar had the Russian faced “The Red King,” who announced his retirement after that defeat. Having recently turned 26, Taylor is still getting better, and with a good camp at Kill Cliff Fight Club behind him, it is reasonable to expect significant improvements each time he steps in the cage. With that said, the win over MacDonald thrust Taylor into the spotlight perhaps sooner than expected, so he likely will not receive a soft matchmaking touch going forward. “The Postman” struggled in the PFL final against veteran Sadibou Sy, who controlled distance and picked Taylor apart from range for a decision victory. Taylor has a good jab, solid hand speed and finishing power in his right hand, but his volume can be lacking, especially against opponents where he lacks a clear athletic advantage.
A former Eagle Fighting Championship welterweight titleholder, Umalatov has the chance to be one of this season’s breakout stars in the PFL. “Prince” has finished all but one of his opponents inside the distance, and as he showed by landing a standing backfist to stun Jarrah Al-Silawi in his last appearance, he has the potential to unleash the spectacular at a moment’s notice. The downside to this is Umalatov is almost patient to a fault and can be prone to periods of inactivity as he hunts for the ideal opening. In a technical fight, he works well behind his jab, powerful right hand and solid countering ability—all of which surfaced in going the distance against Leandro Silva in a PFL bout in 2021. Umalatov is still often labeled as a wrestler with a combat sambo background, but thus far in PFL competition, he has preferred to keep the action on the feet.
Taylor remains a promising talent, but this is a fight which could be characterized by long periods of inactivity and low volume. That will ultimately play into Umalatov’s hands, as he can probe with kicks, counter when Taylor moves forward and look for opportunities to land his deadly right hand. That alone is enough to win on points, and out of the two, the Russian has the more dangerous fight-ending potential. Umalatov by decision is the pick.
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