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Chaos Control: Can Iwo Baraniewski Tame His Inner Brawler to Face a Striker?
Iwo Baraniewski may fight on the opener of UFC Fight Night 278, but he can climb the rankings faster with a win.
Iwo Baraniewski is not a household name in the UFC's light heavyweight division. With eight finishes in his eight professional fights, the 27-year-old hopes to gain support and attention from the organization and fans alike. However, standing in his way to stardom is veteran Junior Tafa. Baraniewski understands what Tafa brings to the table. Yet, he doesn't see it as entertaining his opponent's approach.
Iwo Baraniewski on Junior Tafa Fight Saturday
"He's a dangerous striker," Iwo Baraniewsk said of Junior Tafa. "He has heavy hands, and I must be careful in the first part of the fight. Maybe (it won't be a fun brawl). Maybe I might keep my head safe. … Maybe I show you my grappling skills. Maybe we will do the brawl, but I will be careful about my head."
Tafa, born Pascall Saumani Milo Jr., has a background in kickboxing and Muay Thai. He wants to take the fight forward, sponging punches if need be. Despite standing 191 cm, his reach is only 183 cm. As a result, he needs to cut the distance in order to strike with his hands. Fortunately enough for him, the Muay Thai background pays off in regard to Thai clinches and throwing body hooks before attacking the head as the ultimate goal of the pursuit of a stoppage.
Junior Tafa Presents Tough Challenge for Iwo Baraniewski
Yet, Iwo Baraniewski doesn't seem like he will stand in the pocket and trade strike, which plays into his strengths. While he can finish opponents, Tafa has a solid chin that requires more than a single punch or kick.
Instead, the Polish rising star can rely on his ground game, using a blend of Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Furthermore, this could help Tafa with fatigue, who isn't known for his cardio. Baraniewski's cardio remains unknown, as all his fights ended in the opening round.
Tafa looks to start a winning streak. He's lost five of his last eight fights and could be on the road to becoming a divisional gatekeeper, which no one wants.
