RUF 61: Featherweight Amateur Title Showdown – Griffin vs. Zheliaskov

Mixed Martial Arts fans, mark your calendars for February 15, 2025, as RUF 61: Molinari vs. Robledo brings a stacked fight card to Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, AZ. Among the standout matchups, the Featherweight Amateur Title fight between Joseph Griffin (3-0-0, 1 NC) and Daniil Zheliaskov (2-0-0, (4-1-0 IMMAF) is set to be a thrilling battle between two talented and unbeaten fighters looking to take their careers to the next level.

Fighter Breakdown

Joseph Griffin (3-0-0, 1 NC)

• Age: 25
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight Class: Featherweight
• Fight Camp: N/A
• Current Streak: 3 Wins
• Finish Rate: 100%
• Fighting Out Of: Tucson, AZ, USA
• Win Method Breakdown:
• KO/TKO: 3 Wins (100%)
• Submission: 0 Wins (0%)
• Decision: 0 Wins (0%)

Joseph Griffin has built a reputation as a dangerous striker, boasting a 100% finish rate via TKO/KO. He has proven his power with stoppage wins over Malachi Conley, Tyler Galanis, and Jerry Harris, each coming in the first or second round. With a background that emphasizes powerful striking and aggressive pressure, Griffin will be looking to keep this fight standing and add another knockout to his resume. His most recent bout ended in a No Contest against Brayden Lenz, but that doesn’t take away from his perfect 3-0 professional record. With a fastest KO time of just 21 seconds, Griffin carries serious power and finishing ability into the cage.

Daniil Zheliaskov (2-0-0 Official)

• Age: 19
• Height: 5’7”
• Weight Class: Featherweight
• Fight Camp: La Onda Sportakademie
• Current Streak: 1 Win
• Finish Rate: 50%
• Fighting Out Of: Germany
• IMMA and Youth Record: (4-1-0)
• Win Method Breakdown:
• KO/TKO: 0 Wins (0%)
• Submission: 3 Wins (50%)
• Decision: 3 Wins (50%)

Daniil Zheliaskov has built an impressive record, boasting a 2-0 official fight record and a 4-1 record in youth bouts with IMMAF and The Cage MMA. While he lacks a KO victory, he makes up for it with a strong submission game (50% of his wins by submission) and a solid ability to outwork opponents in decisions.

Zheliaskov's last victory came against Mohammad Qazizada via unanimous decision, proving his durability and technical prowess. He has also submitted opponents with an armbar and a rear-naked choke, showcasing a dangerous grappling arsenal that Griffin must be wary of.

However, Zheliaskov has one professional loss on his record, a unanimous decision defeat to Souhil Arezki, where he struggled against a highly experienced opponent. Still, he rebounded quickly, proving his resilience.

Head-to-Head Comparison

This fight presents a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, with Griffin’s knockout power against Zheliaskov’s submission skills. If Griffin can keep the fight standing, he has a strong chance of scoring another KO/TKO finish. However, if Zheliaskov can take the fight to the ground, his submission skills could present serious problems.

Fight Prediction

This bout will likely be determined by who can impose their game plan first. Griffin will aim to land big shots early and keep the fight standing, while Zheliaskov will look for a takedown and work towards a submission.Key factors:

• Griffin’s height & reach advantage could allow him to control the distance.
• Zheliaskov’s durability and grappling could make this a grinding fight.
• Both fighters are undefeated in official bouts, making this a must-watch contest.

This is a true 50-50 fight, but Griffin’s aggression and finishing ability make him a slight favorite if he can avoid the takedown.

Final Thoughts

The Griffin vs. Zheliaskov fight is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matchups at RUF 61. With both fighters bringing unbeaten records and contrasting styles, expect a high-level chess match inside the cage. Who will emerge victorious? Follow our fight coverage at MMAStalker.com to find out! Get Tickets Stream Live Follow Fight Coverage in the MMA Stalker App

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