Yusup Saadulaev is a Russian MMA prospect now making his training out of Chicago, Illionois. He splits his training time between the Uflacker Academy, L.A. Boxing, and Team Toro Muay Thai and has shown versatility in his fight game early in his career. Although he's moved between 135 and 145 pounds over the course of his pro career, it's mainly due to the fact he's wanted to move up for specific fights and going forward his future will likely be at bantamweight where his physical frame and size is much better suited.

Entering the sport initially as a grappler, Saadulaev does possess a solid wrestling background including two years of experience he earned while training with Top Team Russia. That European wrestling style does show in his MMA game where he's shown the ability to take the fight to the mat with some beautiful throws and a nice assortment of takedowns. He also has good balance and takedown defense, and shows good ground control on the mat. While Saadulaev might not really be a ground and pounder, he's also not shy about using his fists on the ground to try to open up opportunities to improve his position or finish with a sub. Training alongside respected black belt jiu jitsu practitioner Christian Uflacker, Saadulaev's BJJ has continued to develop very nicely. He was the 2009 Pan-Am Games Gold Medalist (blue belt division) and has shown a strong and very active submission game in his MMA career. He constantly looking for those opportunities on the ground and is especially dangerous with leg locks and heel hooks. In addition, Saadulaev's not strictly a top control grappler and he has proven he's comfortable fighting off his back. Given the promise he's shown in his BJJ and wrestling capabilities, Saadulaev does hold very exciting potential his MMA grappling game.

Saadulaev is definitely making a conscious effort to round out his MMA game and continues to work on his striking at Team Toro Muay Thai. His grappling abilities continue to be complimented by his steadily improving muay thai game, and he has taken on pure muay thai bouts in the past to continue his progression in that area. Standing southpaw, Saadulaev is blessed with good handspeed, a nice right hand and a good left straight. Yusup also makes good use of his legs as he throws quick leg kicks and good body kicks. He's very quick and good at maintaining distance, and given his age and talent he should continue developing into a competent bantamweight striker.