UFC Vegas 67: Basharat vs Mendonca
The UFC finally makes their return to our lives this Saturday with the first fight card of 2023 headlined by middleweights Sean Strickland (25-5-0) and Nassourdine Imavov (12-3-0). At the midpoint of the card we are treated to a thrilling bantamweight matchup between two undefeated strikers, Javid Basharat (13-0-0) and Mateus Mendonca (10-0-0).
Javid “The Snow Leopard” Basharat is a prospect that we’ve had our eyes on since his debut on Dana White’s Contender Series in October of 2021. Basharat fights out of the highly respected Xtreme Couture Gym under head coach and World MMA Awards “Coach of The Year” nominee, Eric Nicksick. Basharat made his UFC debut in March of 2022 against Trevin Jones (13-9-0, 1NC). He won the fight via unanimous decision and went on to fight again in September, facing Tony Gravely (23-8-0) and winning their fight via unanimous decision as well. Basharat is an orthodox striker with great cardio and patience. He has a strong ability to mix up his strikes, most often leading with his left jab, throwing spinning back kicks and overwhelming his opponents by closing the distance, applying constant pressure and throwing hard to read combinations. Aside from Bashrat’s ability to throw the “kitchen sink” at his opponents, he is incredibly accurate. According to his UFC stats, Basharat lands an average of 5 strikes per minute and we have yet to see his cardio fail him. When looking at his statistics I also noticed that he has an 87% takedown defense average which is quite impressive. Basharat is considered one of the most promising prospects coming up in the bantamweight division and if he can pass the test of Mateus Mendonca, I think we will soon see him fight a top 15 opponent.
Mateus Mendonca made his pro debut in 2019 and gained momentum for winning 7 fights in a 6 month time period, finishing 5 of the wins in the first round. He is a fellow Dana White Contender Series alumni and earned his contract by finishing his opponent via knockout, just 48 seconds into the bout. Mendonca is a young prospect at only 23 years of age. Like his opponent, Mendonca too trains out of a highly respected gym, Chute Boxe Diego Lima in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Mendonca trains aside the likes of Daniel Santos, Allan Nascimento and the former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. Mendonca specializes in Muay Thai and seems to have bombs in his hands, with every shot he throws looking like a potential knockout shot depending on the chin of his opponent. He is a sniper with his striking, landing at 75% accuracy and even more shockingly, throwing 11 significant strikes per minute according to his UFC stats. I’ve noticed in his previous fights that punches to the body are heavily incorporated in his game plan. Mendonca is one of those fighters that uses both power and volume in his approach. Although we have yet to see him fight in the UFC, his style will be a fun challenge for Basharat and if he is able to secure the win, especially a finish, I don’t doubt that the fans and promotion will be watching him closely.
Breakdown/Prediction:
Although Javid Basharat has more experience on the big stage, I think this is a great matchup stylistically. Both men are impeccable strikers with strong volume and takedown defense. I have noticed while watching Mendonca’s previous fights that he tends to utilize the clinch often and seems to be slightly stronger than Basharat, but we know from watching Basharat’s previous fights that he can go 3 rounds effortlessly and stay active while doing so. I think that Basharat has the cardio advantage and Mendonca has power on his side. I don’t see much grappling happening in this matchup but would not be surprised to see Mendonca use the clinch if he can’t find the target in Basharat, who moves around alot and is not easy “prey” to catch. Mendonca has a tricky style to read and you never know if he’ll be throwing a heavy overhand right or going for a flying knee, he keeps the fans and opponents on their toes with his striking style. If there is anyone on the roster that can handle that I believe it is Basharat. Basharat has incredible movement and technique which I believe will make the difference in this fight. I can see the younger fighter, Mendonca, starting the fight with fire in the first round as he typically does and becoming frustrated at the challenge it is to find the chin of Basharat. We have not seen enough from Mendonca at this level to safely bet on his ability to keep his power as the fight goes into the later rounds, especially against a fighter in Javid Basharat who seemingly gets better as the fight goes on. I believe that Basharat will fight a smart fight, spend the first round in “defense mode,” read the movement of Mendonca and start to piece him up in the 2nd and 3rd round. The only significant strikes i’ve seen Basharat get hit with are left hands from southpaw fighters, Mendonca is orthodox. It does not hurt to mention the 4 submissions on Mendonca’s record, but I do not think it will be of significance to Basharat due to his high takedown defense average. When we’re talking about someone with knockout power like Mendonca, he is to be considered a dangerous opponent at all times but if Javid Basharat has shown us anything, it’s that he has great defensive movement and sustainability. Although the first round may have us at the edge of our seats, I believe Basharat will take over and win the fight by unanimous decision.
Prediction:
Javid Basharat via Unanimous Decision
(Please note: This prediction is not associated with the MMAPlay365 packages, subscriptions or services)