Hussein has been on the long road to the UFC. Before beginning his professional career, he built his reputation as an amateur, going 8-0 while becoming both an IMMAF World and European champion. His résumé as an amateur and pro didn’t feature many opponents I’d consider high-level. However, his last two performances were major statements. He defeated a solid prospect in Gift Walker. In addition, he knocked out former UFC veteran Tyson Nam.
Interestingly, Hussein was a participant in the TUF 34 tryouts but was one of the final cuts. He didn’t make the cast. It ultimately worked out, as he now reaches the UFC sooner than he would have if he had entered the show. Hussein was ranked #25 in our prospect rankings. However, after a deeper dive into his tape, he arguably deserved to be much higher.
Hussein has always been a talented fighter, but he truly began making major improvements after his fight with Muhammad Mokaev. Although he lost the fight, he gave Mokaev some of his toughest moments. Since then, Hussein has gone 8-0, finishing every opponent.
The biggest concern with Hussein is not a lack of skill, but his size. He stands at just 5’5″ and appears to have a smaller reach, though it hasn’t been officially recorded. So far, he has done an excellent job of minimizing that disadvantage by consistently forcing opponents into his preferred range.
Hussein is an incredibly fluid striker who throws from all angles, both stances, and both sides of his body. He can generate offense from his lead or rear hand. Not only that, he works his way into close range by slipping off the centerline before building combinations with punches and knees. He maintains an active jab that becomes more effective as he steps into it. Additionally, he mixes in frequent calf kicks and a powerful body kick.
In the clinch, Hussein does a great job fighting for wrist control and sneaking in short strikes. Defensively, he can be difficult to hit cleanly. He occasionally stays in the pocket too long, but that comes with the territory of his style. He makes up for it with excellent evasive footwork and well-timed slips.
Hussein can be taken down, but keeping him there is another challenge. He constantly scrambles, works back to his feet, and is dangerous with submissions off his back. His submission game is arguably his biggest strength on the ground. You don’t want to give him access to your neck, as he has both a slick front choke and a dangerous rear-naked choke. Many of his submissions come from winning scrambles. He also capitalizes on defensive wrestling situations.
Offensively, Hussein is also a strong wrestler. He’s an aggressive cage wrestler who uses a variety of trips and constantly adjusts his position to attack his opponent’s base. He mixes in outside trips, inside trips, hip throws, mat returns, and foot sweeps. Furthermore, he catches kicks to disrupt balance and create openings.
Hussein is as well-rounded as they come and is entering his prime. He’s a skilled striker with a good blend of technique and power, a smart fight IQ, strong wrestling, a dangerous submission game, and the cardio to maintain his pace. I already view Hussein as a top-20 UFC bantamweight. Therefore, I have high expectations for what he can accomplish.
Vs. Cody Gibson
I’ve always liked Gibson because of his size and striking ability, but he enters this fight coming off a knockout loss in under 30 seconds. Before that, he suffered a submission defeat. His UFC wins haven’t aged particularly well. Also, some of his losses have come against fighters I believe Hussein would be favored against. At 38 years old, Gibson is also entering the later stages of his career.
I expect Hussein’s pressure and versatility to overwhelm Gibson. He should be able to close the distance, force exchanges, and eventually catch him with a submission, with a ninja choke being a potential finish.
