Rumored MAX Final 16 Fights and Date

We don't have a date set just yet, but we know that the remaining 5 fights in the MAX Final 16 should be coming soon.  And now, according to rumors, we may have 2 of those 5 fights set.

First up, mixfight.nl is reporting that it will be Artur Kyshenko v. Mootje Khamal.  Their source is Khamal's management.  Obviously this is a rumor, and even if that's the current plan it could change, but mixfight is typically pretty trustworthy.  Even though Kyshenko has a pair of recent upsets on his record, he would have to be seen as the heavy favorite here.  Kyshenko has the edge in experience, and will enjoy a significant size advantage over Khamal, who moved up from 60-65kg to take part in MAX.  Kyshenko has used his size well in the past, and Hinata taking away that size advantage was definitely a factor in that win.  Against a smaller, considerably less experienced opponent, I favor Kyshenko, but Khamal is a tough fighter who could push him.

Next, Mike Zambidis's website is reporting that it will be Zambidis v. Chahid Oulad El Hadj.  This report also lists a date of October 3 in Seoul for the Final 16.  This actually could make for a really excellent fight, as both men are cut from a similar all action, heavy striking mold.  What's interesting is that they both have had some hard times in recent years.  Chahid started 2009 as one of the can't miss prospects, but after losing his MAX debut, he fell into a rough spiral, going 1-5 in his next 6.  He's since come back and won his last 3, making his way back up the ranks.  Zambidis has had a number of high profile losses in the past 2 years including against Albert Kraus, John Wayne Parr, and Hinata.  But he too is on a comeback, having won his last 2 against Dzhabar Askerov and Warren Stevelmans.  With this fight, one of these two will score a big win to help reestablish themselves, while the other will fall back into their losing ways.  It's a tough call between these two, as Zambidis has the punching power and a big experience advantage, but Chahid is a determined, powerful striker.  Chahid also possesses good leg kicks, which have always been a real kryptonite to Zambidis.  I'll pick Chahid, but it's razor thin.