Summary:

In a fun match up between American & Korean Top Team, Leo Kuntz looks to score on the road against Tae Hyun Bang. With both men coming off submission losses, I expect they will be looking to make statements to stay above water in the UFC’s deepest division. That said pressure in addition to their striking friendly styles should make for an entertaining and momentum shifting fight. Embodying what’s seemingly the standard for Korean fighters, Tae Hyun Bang brings an aggressive pressure game supported by a durable chin and never say die attitude. Though these attributes have won him fights they have also served as a double-edged sword Kuntz should be aware of.

Leo displays a much more measured approach to the striking game as he shows circle and measure with his jab. Kuntz most effective weapon standing is by far his leg kicks but I’m not sure how much availability Bang will provide given his stance-witching and overall movement. That said, I feel Leo’s best weapon against the brawling South Korean will be his jab and straight punches. Tae Hyun will give different looks off his movement and feints, but generally does so with his hands low which will be Kuntz best chances to land.

Although showing the more refined technique, I don’t feel Leo has the advantage striking given his lack of overall volume & activity. Often allowing the fight to come to him, I see Bangs pressure game being the key factor in standing exchanges. Though hittable, Tae Hyun’s conviction to his counter-baiting style has proven deadly(even late in the fight) as he’s shown to carry one-shot KO power on the feet and even the floor. Not to mention Leo has a habit of keeping his head upright and on center while exchanging or exiting. This will put Kuntz right in line with Bangs love for looping hooks & overhands should he not be careful.

Despite his wrestling background, Bang has shown a susceptibility to be taken & held down in previous UFC bouts(as many predict that as a path for Leo). However, Leo has shown very little enthusiasm much less aptitude for offensive grappling in his career, therefor I’m a bit hesitant in his positional chances against the wrestler here. Not only do I feel Bang has a better offensive grappling game, but he’s also shown more effective & competent get-ups which make me believe ground stanzas will be limited from either vantage point.

I’m sure Kuntz gets trained on a daily basis by the best at American Top Team, but his in-fight stylings to his resume of low-level opposition(minus his loss to Makhachev) make him hard to side with. As previously stated, this matches momentum comes down to pressure fighting for me, and I believe Bang’s style(regardless of whether it’s smart or not) will ultimately prevail. Though I wouldn’t bank on a stoppage with each mans shown durability, that doesn’t necessarily make “The Korean Dan Henderson” a bad play here.

Official Pick: Bang – Decision

Official Outcome: To be determined.