Satoshi Ishii is set to compete against Oleg Popov under submission grappling rules on July 5 at ACBJJ 21 in Moscow.
Satoshi Ishii and Oleg Popov are set to meet under submission grappling rules at ACBJJ 21 in Moscow on July 5, 2026, with the matchup officially confirmed.
Ishii, the 39-year-old Japanese competitor who holds a mixed martial arts record of 15-8-1, brings a well-rounded grappling background to the contest. Currently fighting out of an independent camp, the 180-centimeter orthodox fighter has averaged 3.47 takedowns per 15 minutes in MMA competition, along with 1.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes, signaling an active ground game that figures to translate to the submission-only format. His striking volume has been modest, landing 1.41 significant strikes per minute at 36 percent accuracy, suggesting the mat is his preferred arena.
Popov enters as the more decorated grappler on paper. The 33-year-old Russian holds a 22-2-0 record and stands six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach. His MMA numbers point to an exceptionally takedown-heavy style, averaging a remarkable 17.31 takedowns per 15 minutes. He has logged zero submission attempts per 15 minutes in MMA, indicating his game is built around control and positional dominance rather than active finishing from the bottom or top. His striking accuracy sits at a sharp 66 percent, though that dimension will not be in play under submission-only rules.
Why it matters
- The submission-only format removes Popov's striking advantage and puts the entire contest on the ground, where both men are most at home.
- Ishii's higher submission attempt rate contrasts with Popov's volume takedown approach, setting up a compelling stylistic clash between a finisher and a control wrestler.
- Popov's near-perfect 22-2 record makes him a significant test for Ishii, who has not competed at the highest MMA level in recent years.
