Prediction: Bogdan Grad inside the distance
On paper, Naimov should be the better fighter. He’s stronger, more explosive, and honestly just more talented. You see flashes of high-level ability — true grappling strength, he can crack with real power, and when he’s the one dictating the pace, he looks like a problem. But here’s the catch: Naimov doesn’t always fight like the better fighter. And that’s where Bogdan Grad comes in.
Grad isn’t technical. He’s wide open, leaves his chin up, doesn’t move his head, and defense is basically optional. But what he does bring is volume, chaos, and non-stop forward pressure. He throws in combinations, mixes up the target constantly, and never gives you a clean read. It’s not pretty, but it’s effective — especially against guys like Naimov who have a tendency to sit back and let the fight come to them.
That’s the frustrating thing with Naimov. You can see the tools, you know he could shut the lights off with a clean counter or turn the tide with a takedown — but too often, he gets backed up and starts reacting instead of leading. He accepts pressure, and that’s a bad habit when you’re fighting a guy who thrives in the chaos like Grad.
Make no mistake, Naimov will have chances to finish this fight. Grad’s defense is basically a dare, and the KO opportunity will be there from round one. But unless Naimov steps on the gas and actually lets his weapons go consistently, Grad’s pressure and awkward volume could drown him. And based on what we’ve seen from Naimov, there’s a very real chance he won’t pull the trigger until he’s already down two rounds and swinging out of desperation.
So yeah, skill-wise Naimov is levels above. But fights aren’t always won by the most skilled guy — they’re won by the one who makes it a fight. Grad will come forward, throw in bunches, and if Naimov doesn’t bite down and take control early, there’s a good chance he’ll be finished. That’s why the pick is Grad. Not because he’s cleaner, but because he’s going to make it messy — and Naimov has shown too many times that he’ll let it happen.