Since his debut in the world famous martial arts promotion, Mairbeck “Beckan” Taisumov(27-5 MMA, 7-1 UFC) has displayed an impressive ability to learn from his shortcomings as a fighter. Since his first loss in the promotion to Wrestling/Jiu-Jitsu Artist Michel Prazeres, Taisumov has returned to the UFC with what appears to be an unstoppable striking skill that has propelled him to a five fight KO/TKO win streak.

Mairbeck Taisumov’s most recent win by KO

Showing promise in his UFC debut against Tae Hyun Bang(18-10 MMA, 2-3 UFC), Taisumov was quick to display both his striking and wrestling skills. Throwing combinations with both his hands and leg, as well as finishing several double leg take-downs, and successfully dealing damage with ground and pound, Taisumov won an easy three round decision fight. Despite the flashes of skills he showed, and the different “looks” he gave, this fight was not enough to indicate the caliber of a fighter that Taisumov was.

In his following match against Michel Prazeres(23-2 MMA, 7-2UFC), Tasimuov had what should be considered by all accounts, a “bad night”. Taisumov spent the bout being outclassed, taken down at will by Prazeres, and suffered two point deductions. One for cage grabbing to prevent further take-downs, and another for an illegal up-kick to a downed opponent. When standing, he couldn’t seem to get comfortable enough to start throwing combinations until an attempt to rally in the third and final round of the bout, but that was soon put to an end by a take-down from Prazeres. This would be the last time to date that Taisumov appeared inferior to any of his opponents.

Mairbeck Taisumov first displayed his knockout power against Polish born striker, Marcin Bandel (17-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC) in Bandel’s promotional debut. Within about a minute into the first round, Taisumov circled to the center of the Octagon, waiting patiently for Bandel to come within range, and uncorked a straight right punch that sent Bandel tumbling to the canvas. What followed were three short punches to the head of his grounded opponent, after which the referee called a stop to the fight. This was the beginning of Taisumov’s war on the lightweight division. In the moment prior to Taisumov circling into position and throwing his straight right, he successfully defended a take-down attempt meant to capitalize on a leg kick he threw. He had learned from his previous bout that his take-down defense needed practice, and so he came better prepared than ever before.

Mairbek Taisumov wins by KO via Straight Right and punches

In the following match, Mairbek Taisumov showed his audience for the first time why he was to be feared in that division. After a spectacular first round against Anthony Christodoulou(12-7 MMA, 0-2 UFC) where he used his excellent boxing and Muay Thai ability to pepper his opponent with strikes, Anthony Christodoulou’s team advised for him to stay in range with Taisumov and initiate grappling exchanges. The fight came to a violent end soon after Christodoulou attempted a take-down, to which Taisumov responded by defending it and seamlessly transitioning to a ground-and-pound position, quickly KOing his opponent.

Mairbek Taisumov capitalzes on a naked take-down attempt

Taisumov has shown repeatedly that his striking is not to be taken lightly in the 155 pound division. He consistently uses his boxing to pressure his opponents, then exploits openings in positioning with powerful leg and body kicks. He has also displayed excellent perception for timing on leading with power punches rather than his jab, and knows exactly when to use his jab to lead his stronger punches. In his 2016 bout against Damir Hadzovic (11-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC), a violent striking battle ensued between the two combatants in the first round. Hadzovic, riding a six fight win streak, was expected to pose a challenge to the Russian. Instead, Taisumov landed multiple powerful straight right punches, pushed his man to the cage, and landed a violent uppercut that sent Hadzovic falling to the canvas, ending the fight.

Jab -> Uppercut against Damir Hadzovic

From what he has shown in his short UFC career, Mairbeck Taismov is able to box extremely well, and is very comfortable using his ability to dismantle his opponents. However, he is not trigger happy, as he employs a method of controlled brawling when engaging. Taisumov prefers to keep himself at mid range, where his power punches can land with full force, but can retreat on the backfoot when necessary. He displayed this beautifully in his most recent bout, where he dropped his man with a beautiful right counter while evading a flurry. His leg work is also something to behold, as he rarely misses a chance to slam his shin into an opponent’s leg to hinder their movement. These are the factors that each opponent he faces must consider when thinking of a game plan to beat him, except, one must consider that his offensive wrestling is also nothing to laugh at. Rarely unable to finish his take-downs, Taisumov seems to enjoy dragging his opponents to the canvas only after he has sufficiently beaten them to a pulp on the feet.

Taisumov displays his rapid power punching boxing skill

Despite his impressive performance in his last five bouts, he is not a flawless fighter. Taisumov has yet to face anyone of world class striking ability, and the one time he faced a world class grappler, Prazeres, he was quickly outclassed. Being one of the more powerful strikers in the 155 pound divisions, it remains to be scene if Beckan can fight among the best of the Lightweight fighters, as he has yet to be called to action against an opponent in the Top 15 of his class. Fans are eager to see him test his mettle against the upper echelon of the Lightweight division, and are certain that he will put on a show against whomever he faces.