Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at American Jordan Johnson as he makes his UFC debut against Brazilian Luis Henrique da Silva at UFC on Fox 23 in Denver, Colorado. Jordan Johnson Hometown: Richmond, Virginia Age: 28 Height: 6’2” Reach: 79” Weight Class: Light Heavyweight Camp: MMA Lab Career Record: 6-0 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background A 28-year old light heavyweight hailing out of Richmond, Virginia, Johnson competed in wrestling with the highly regarded University of Iowa wrestling team. At Iowa, he was a two time All American in freestyle wrestling. Johnson enters the UFC undefeated and as RFA’s last light heavyweight champion before it merged with LFA. Strengths
- Very long reach for the weightclass at nearly 80 inches
- Comfortable in the clinch from his days as a freestyle wrestler
- Nice variation in his takedown attempts
- Strong submission game
- Has shown he can go five rounds if necessary
Weaknesses
- Not a technical striker
- Susceptible to being blitzed by opponents
- Doesn’t power into takedown attempts
Matchup against Luis Henrique da Silva Highly regarded prospect Jordan Johnson makes his UFC debut in Colorado against Brazilian Luis Henrique da Silva. Despite Johnson making his debut, he has a very good chance to get a win. The Brazilian is an aggressive fighter, but he has poor takedown defense and tends tire rather quickly in fights. Johnson, on the flip side, is an acclaimed wrestler out of the University of Iowa with very good cardio and a strong submission game. I expect Johnson to be able to secure takedowns throughout this bout. Da Silva likes fighting in the clinch, but that is where Johnson is comfortable and most apt to be able secure takedowns. I expect da Silva to be on his back throughout this fight and for Johnson to be able to sync in a choke midway through the bout and get the win. The -220 money line is a bit high for me to lay on a debuting fighter, however one angle I do like is the submission prop (+225). The most likely way Johnson finishes this bout is by submission and with the way da Silva tires there’s a good chance he finds a finish. UFC Ceiling Jordan Johnson is one of the better light heavyweight prospects to enter the UFC in recent years. He’s got a great wrestling base and combining that with a physical stature that fits in well in the division, it’s understandable why he is so well regarded. I expect Johnson to have a very good UFC career and to crack the top 15 of the division by 2018 and potentially even the top 10. He reminds me a bit of Misha Cirkunov, but with a better gas tank. Fight Film Check out Jordan Johnson in some of his most recent fights: Jordan Johnson vs. Shaun Asher Jordan Johnson vs. Lamarcus Tucker