Ali Isaev is set to face Pouya Rahmani under combat grappling rules at ACB JJ 21 on July 5. The matchup adds a notable grappling contest to the summer card.
Ali Isaev and Pouya Rahmani are set to collide under combat grappling rules at ACB JJ 21 on July 5, with the matchup representing one of the more intriguing submission wrestling contests on the summer card.
Isaev enters the contest with a perfect 9-0-0 record and brings an imposing physical frame at six-foot-three and 191 cm with a 78-inch reach. The Russian competitor has shown a relentless approach to controlling opponents on the mat, averaging an eye-catching 28.5 takedowns per 15 minutes in his MMA career. His striking numbers are also notable — a 60.87 percent accuracy rate and 5.04 significant strikes landed per minute — though it is his grappling pressure that will be most relevant under ACB JJ's ruleset.
Rahmani comes in undefeated as well, carrying a clean 5-0-0 record. The 32-year-old, who competes out of the United Arab Emirates, stands six-foot-two at 188 cm with an exceptional 79-inch reach, giving him a one-inch reach advantage over Isaev despite being the shorter man. That length could prove meaningful in the clinch and in scrambles on the mat.
Why it matters
- Two undefeated grapplers collide, meaning one perfect record will end on July 5
- Isaev's elite takedown volume against Rahmani's length and reach sets up a compelling stylistic puzzle
- The bout adds significant competitive weight to the ACB JJ 21 card as a marquee combat grappling contest
