The lightweight division is closing out 2024 with an exciting showdown in the Tipsport Gamechanger Lightweight Tournament. The finals will see Ronald Paradeiser and Losene Keita face off in the octagon, with the OKMMA Lightweight Championship title on the line. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this highly anticipated match and help you decide which fighter might be worth your wager.

FIGHTERS PROFILES AND STRENGTH

RONALD PARADEISER

Since joining Okagon MMA in 2017, Ronald Paradeiser has achieved 15 wins and only 4 losses. Most of his losses came through submissions. He has recorded losses to Ivan Buchinger, who claimed the vacant OKMMA Lightweight Championship, and to Matěj Kuzník via rear-naked choke submission. In 2023, Paradeiser got his shot at redemption against Ivan Buchinger, competing for the vacant OKMMA Lightweight Championship.

He delivered an impressive performance, forcing the doctor to stop the fight in the third round. This earned him the OKTAGON 50 Performance of the Night award. He also had a strong run in Exhibition MMA, defeating Milan Kratochvíla and Michal Petris. However, he fell short in the Tournament Championship, losing to Matouš Kohout by unanimous decision.

LOSENE KEITA

Losene Keita, famously known as “Black Panther,” joined the Oktagon MMA promotion in 2021 and has since built an impressive record, securing six knockouts from nine victories. He is now preparing for his second showdown with Ronald Paradeiser, their first encounter dating back to 2022. In that match, the two competed for the vacant OKMMA Interim Lightweight Championship, with Keita emerging victorious by unanimous decision. Just four months later, Keita faced Ivan Buchinger for the OKMMA Lightweight Championship. In a spectacular performance, he claimed the title with a first-round technical knockout, delivering a decisive hook that left no doubt about his dominance.

Before joining Oktagon MMA, Keita spent a year in the World Fighting League (WFL) from 2020 to 2021. There, he achieved a significant milestone by winning the WFL Welterweight Championship against Bartosz Gorczyca, securing victory in the first round via KO/TKO. Despite a setback against Mate Sanikidze, which cost him his interim title, Keita bounced back in remarkable fashion. He faced Niko Samsonidse for the vacant OKMMA Featherweight Championship and delivered a thrilling win with a right hook followed by ground punches in the early seconds of the second round.

SHOP: Ultimate T8 Boxing Gloves

WHAT TIME IS THE FIGHT?

The fight starts live this Sunday at 7:00 PM UTC.

Location: O2 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic.

HOW CAN I WATCH IT?

You can catch it on OKTAGON TV if you’re tuning in.

STATISTICAL MATCH-UP

Check out: Isaac Lowe vs Lee McGregor Prediction

KEYS TO VICTORY

RONALD PARADEISER`S PATH TO SUCCESS

In their first fight, Paradeiser gave it his best but didn’t make full use of his long reach. He also seemed to approach the shots with a casual attitude. For this rematch, he’ll need to fix those issues if he wants a real chance at keeping his title.

LOSENE KEITA`S PATH TO SUCCESS

Losene Keita’s determination to push himself was clear in this fight. Winning this belt will strengthen his position in the division. He’s aiming for double-champ status with this rematch. In their last meeting, he showed much better boxing skills in the fifth round compared to earlier rounds. To keep improving, he’ll need to build on that style. There’s no doubt he’s on track to become one of the best in this division.

FINAL PREDICTION

From their first encounter, it was clear that experience, measured by the number of fights or victories, wasn’t the deciding factor. Keita entered with an unbeaten record of seven fights, while Paradeiser had 13 wins and seven losses. Despite the difference in numbers, Keita secured a unanimous decision win, showcasing his ability to control the cage and deliver impactful shots.

Now, as they prepare for their second encounter on Sunday for the OKMMA Lightweight Championship title, a closer contest is expected. Since their last fight, both fighters have recorded eight wins and one loss, suggesting that not much has changed in their form. However, it’s worth noting that Keita’s sharpness has been more consistent, despite a foot injury in the opening minute of his interim championship defense costing him that fight.

Unless injury strikes again, it’s hard to see Paradeiser getting the revenge he’s after or successfully defending his title. Keita has proven to be the more precise and dominant fighter. A submission victory in this match seems highly unlikely, but Keita’s edge lies in his 100% win rate against all three common opponents he and Paradeiser have faced. This consistency reinforces the belief that Keita will come out on top once again.

Losene Keita to win fight

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