Reach is a problem, but I remember an AMA wherein a prison guard mentioned that when it came to violence, it was the skinny guys who were the most trouble. Sure, you had these guys who did nothing but work out all day every day and grew into miniature Hulks, but those guys were so heavy and muscle-bound that they had only a few good swings before they were tired. The skinny inmates were weaker, but mean as hell and had lots of stamina for a prolonged brawl.
If it's a cartel member, I'm assuming it's somebody who's been in fights and is used to moving around a lot. Ralph is, well, Ralph. He'll go down on his back and flail around like a flipped turtle, just like Ralph in Lisbon.