Demian Maia’s prize pupil Rafael “Rafi” Domingos (2-0) will headline the Lohja Fight Night “Take a Round if You Dare” event on 12th of October in Lohja, Finland. In the lightweight bout the Brazilian wonderkid will meet hard hitting Russian Rasul Khataev. The bout is very much a classic striker versus grappler match up.
Domingos is a high level black belt under UFC welterweight Demian Maia, who is considered to be one of the absolute best grapplers in the world. In BJJ Domingos has won the world championships as a brown belt among other achievements. Domingos has won both of his professional MMA bouts in dominant fashion with first round submissions.
Russian born Khataev, who now fights out of Finland, is undefeated after three professional bouts. Aggressive Khataev comes down hard on his opponents delivering violence with all of his limbs. Before the fight with Domingos, active Khataev will fight on 21st of September at Cage 23 in Vantaa, Helsinki
LFN matchmaker Olli Hartikainen shared his thoughts on the fight:
“It’s a damn interesting fight. Khataev doesn’t duck any opponents or offers from promoters. He likes to stay active and jumps on every opportunity. There aren’t many fighters around here willing to fight Khataev which is understandable. Khataev doesn’t try to play safe, he looks for the finish on the feet all the time. Domingos on the other hand is Demian’s Maia best student who is unbelievable on the ground. He is extremely athletic and he learns things really quickly. Domingos has lately focused a lot on his striking but he probably doesn’t want to exchange strikes or test his chin with Khataev. And Khataev surely doesn’t want to grapple with Domingos. Both fighters have their own clear strengths. The one who gets to use his strength first will win the fight.”
