Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at undefeated Mexican lightweight Martin Bravo as he faces Peruvian Claudio Puelles in the TUF Latin America Finale at UFC Fight Night 98 in Mexico City, Mexico. Martin Bravo Hometown: Rosarito Beach, Mexico Age: 23 Height: 5’8” Reach: Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Entram Gym Career Record: 10-0 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background Training alongside several fighters at Entram Gym who have appeared in the UFC, Martin Bravo takes his undefeated record into his promotion debut at the Fight Night 98. Bravo is a finisher with 8 of his 10 career victories coming inside the distance. Strengths
- Willing grappler
- Times takedowns well
- Comfortable in top and control and able to land accurately in ground and pound
- Good chin
- Decent footwork
- Very good cardio
Weaknesses
- Too reliant on takedowns
- Needs to work on striking defense
- Overextends on punches leaving himself open to counters
Matchup against Claudio Puelles In a matchup of two fighters who are at their best when they control the wrestling, Mexican Martin Bravo takes on Peruvian Claudio Puelles. Both fighters use their striking to setup their takedowns so this makes for a really interesting fight. Puelles is the much more physically strong fighter and possesses a significant size advantage in this bout. I don’t see much opposition for Puelles in this fight in that regard. I think he’ll start well early and put Bravo on his back. He’ll do well to maintain top control at least in the early portions of this fight. Given that this fight is at altitude, it will be very interesting if and when Puelles tires and the well-conditioned Bravo begins to take over this fight. Unfortunately for Bravo, I don’t think that will happen until the third round. I expect Puelles to control the first two rounds and for Bravo to do well in the final round, but at that point it will be too late and the Peruvian will take a decision and become TUF Latin America Winner. With both of these fighters being so young and the potential altitude effect, this is a fight that anyone should be hesitant to bet on. UFC Ceiling There’s a good amount to like about Martin Bravo as a prospect. His base is wrestling and he is relentless in his attempt to find takedowns. Combined with excellent cardio and an improving offensive striking set, it’s easy to see him having some success in the UFC. He’s absolutely undersized at lightweight and he’ll almost certainly fight at featherweight long term. His success in the UFC will come down to improve his striking skill set; most significantly his striking defense which is a real hole in his game currently. Fight Film Check out Martin Bravo in some of his most recent fights: Martin Bravo vs. Tito Castro Martin Bravo vs. Dallys Moraes Gama