Du Toit enters as the more documented fighter, having secured consecutive submission victories over John Yona Mubatiza and Frederik Eloff. His grappling credentials appear to be his biggest weapon heading into the contest.
The biggest unknown is Olaniran. With limited publicly available information regarding his recent performances, scouting him becomes difficult. That uncertainty could work in his favor, as du Toit will have fewer tendencies to study.
Temitope Olaniran
Last 3 bouts
Publicly available Tapology records for Olaniran’s last three bouts could not be verified at the time of writing.
Fighting Style
A developing heavyweight prospect whose style appears to revolve around physicality and forward pressure, though limited footage and fight records make a complete assessment difficult.
Strengths
Relatively unknown skill set that could create unpredictability
Weaknesses
Limited publicly available experience
Unproven against established opposition
Unknown cardio and grappling credentials
Lack of documented high-level competition
Joshua du Toit
Last 3 bouts
Win. Frederik Eloff – Submission
Win. John Yona Mubatiza – Submission
Lose. Tico Van Den Berg – Submission
Strengths
Proven submission skills
Dangerous from multiple grappling positions
Excellent size for the heavyweight division (6-foot-4 with nearly 80-inch reach)
Ability to finish fights quickly
Momentum from back-to-back wins
Weaknesses
Limited amateur experience
Striking ability remains largely untested
Both career wins have come against inexperienced opponents
Defensive grappling was exposed in his loss to Van Den Berg
Keys to Victory
Close distance and initiate grappling exchanges
Use his size advantage in the clinch
Force Olaniran to defend takedowns
Look for submissions during scrambles
Continue his trend of early finishes
