Juan Archuleta vs Soo Chul Kim Prediction: Backing the Rizin star

Former Bellator Bantamweight champion Juan Archuleta faces former Road FC and ONE Championship Bantamweight Champion Soo Chul Kim at Bellator MMA vs. Rizin on December 31, 2022, in Saitama, Japan. American Archuleta, a one-time Bellator Bantamweight champion, competed in Featherweight and Lightweight before winning the vacant championship in 2020. Soo Chul Kim is a 31-year-old from South Korea who has alternated between RIZIN FF and Road FC and comes into the bout as the underdog even as he comes in on the back of a two-match winning streak.

“The Spaniard” goes into the Octagon after turning a two-fight losing skid with a win in October 2022. He debuted in Bellator in 2018 and progressed in the Bantamweight class until he picked up the vacant title in 2020 after a unanimous win over Patchy Mix. He promptly lost it on his first title defense. The 35-year-old has three wins and three losses from his last six matches across two weight classes. He is a wild fighter, good at switching stances and throwing power punches. His most intriguing attribute is his ability to attack mid-rhythm, usually upending his opponents' rhythm.

The 31-year-old Korean’s last fight was in September 2022 at Rizin 38 where he secured a decision win over Hiroshima Ougikubo. The win made it two in a row, an indication of the form of the former One Bamtanwieght champion. Kim is an extremely aggressive fighter who fights on the front foot, walking into his opponents like a juggernaut to force takedowns. His grappling and ground skills are very good and once on the ground, he likes to stay active on his opponent. On his feet, he is not very technically gifted but his aggression makes up for a lack of striking finesse. 

Juan Archuleta is the clear bookies’ favorite going into the battle. He is more experienced, having fought thirty times to Kim’s twenty-five. However, we think the odds should be closer. “The Spaniard” has shown a lack of consistency of late, especially against motivated opponents. For him to win he needs to match Kim’s aggression and fire and look to upend the Korean’s rhythm. His jab needs to be active to keep the juggernaut from taking the fight to the mat where he has an advantage. In an interesting fight, we think that Kim will overwhelm Archuleta with his aggression, takedowns, and clinching. At the odds on offer, backing Kim to win is great value. 

• Win Soo Chul Kim at 2.35 odds on Bet365
• Win Soo Chul Kim at 2.57 odds on Coinplay
• Win Soo Chul Kim at 2.57 odds on 1xbet