2015-07-19
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P4P Case Study: Arturo "Zico" Atunes

Fighter profile of Arturo Atunes by


Spencer Kilco reporting for P4P: The best for MMA News, Views and Reviews

Who is the hottest middleweight fighter in the world right now? You would definetely have to consider Brazilian born Arturo "Zico" Atunes (19-4). He’s currently contracted to AMS Fighting Championship where he is ranked 3rd on the org’s pound for pound. With AMS’ 185 title recent vacated, ‘Atunes will be fighting for the vacant title very soon’ (Statement from AMS Official). 

I wanted to sit down with the man but between travelling to Canada, his fight camp in New York and Amsterdam for AMS events, there just wasn’t anytime to set up an interview. That didn’t put me off looking back at the incredible career the young fighter has already had. At aged 19 we won NY Fight Night’s tournament winning the 185 championship. If that’s not enough Atunes went on to hold SFC’s middle weight and light heavy weight championship at the same time. And with six fight of the night trophies Atunes is a dominate and entertaining fighter. 

Where is he know? With three AMS fights under his belt, and winning all three he’s the strongest looking contender at middle weight for the AMS belt. A TKO over Johnny "Filthy" Luca (9-4-1) and dominate decision wins over Lapu "Pula" Lapu (10-9) and Sotiris Kakoullis (17-4)earned him the title shot. 

The AMS fans adore him, his last three fights where pure clinics. Against Luca the gruelling fight made it to the third round with Atunes securing a takedown in the closing minutes of the fight. Helped with a few stunning blows Atunes improved his position eventually securing the full mount. Atunes delivered such a ground and pound beating that with seconds to go Luca looked to the ref asking to end the fight in a TKO. One day after his 25th birthday Atunes secured his three fight win streak over Sotiris Kakoullis by unanimous decision. Atunes easily had the first two rounds and after a bloody war it was his hand raised.

What is next? The vacant championship is within the Brazilians reach, he’s set to fight William "Husker" Adama (19-10) at AMS FC 113: Mystify. World class Muay Thai and wrestling makes Atunes almost unstoppable up close in the pocket. However at distance his boxing technique is flawless. Meaning Atunes is able to fight on the outside using is boxing to close the distance and get in tight locking up or looking for a takedown. I don’t think there are many other fighters out there right now that have a better stand up game, when you consider he has never been dropped and has crunching KO power.

Going into this title fight Atunes is working on his ground game. Once we perfects his BJJ, currently a brown belt, he’s going to become an unstoppable warrior. The Brazilian hasn’t been known to prefer being on the mat but he can hold his own. With one submission loss on his record it’s not that often that he’s bullied on the round. William "Husker" Adama is also a world class fighter. The American has KO power that has earned a lot of KOs in his career and may have just as good muay thai ability. Being even less skilled on the ground I’d expect this title fight to stay on the feet but don't be surprised if Atunes takes him down and if it does hit the mat Atunes will likely have the advantage. 


What’s in Atunes future? At P4P we expect Atunes to win the AMS middleweight championship. From there I imagine he’ll be a dominate champion and climb the pound for pound ladder. Arturo "Zico" Atunes is still a young fighter with an impressive record so I only expect it to get better. More championships and hall of fame recognitions are to come! 

You heard here fight fans....Arturo 'Zico' Atunes

 

 

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