Ali Isaev will face Pouya Rahmani in a submission grappling bout at ACB JJ 21 on July 5. The matchup will be contested under combat grappling rules.
Unbeaten grapplers Ali Isaev and Pouya Rahmani have been matched up for ACB JJ 21, with the submission grappling contest scheduled for July 5 under combat grappling rules.
Isaev enters the bout carrying a perfect 9-0-0 record and represents Russia in competition. The six-foot-three, 191-centimeter grappler sports a 78-inch reach and has shown considerable wrestling pressure throughout his career, averaging an extraordinary 28.5 takedowns per 15 minutes. His striking output in mixed competition also stands out, with 5.04 significant strikes landed per minute at a 60.87 percent accuracy rate, though the focus here will be on his grappling credentials.
Rahmani, competing out of the United Arab Emirates, brings an unblemished 5-0-0 record into the matchup. The 32-year-old stands six-foot-two at 188 centimeters with a 79-inch reach, giving him a slight length advantage over his opponent. His undefeated slate speaks to his effectiveness on the mats, and the reach edge could play a role in the clinch and tie-up exchanges that combat grappling bouts often hinge on.
Why it matters
- Two undefeated grapplers collide, meaning one perfect record must fall on July 5
- Isaev's elite takedown volume will be tested against Rahmani's length and reach advantage
- Combat grappling rules blend submission grappling with strikes, rewarding well-rounded skill sets
- The result carries weight in the ACB JJ landscape, where both men are building their reputations
