Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Brazilian welterweight Jorge Oliveira as he debuts against The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finalist Dhiego Lima at UFC Fight Night 56. Jorge “Blade” Oliveira Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Age: 28 Height: 5’8” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Welterweight Camp: Renovacao Fight Team Career Record: 7-0 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background “Blade” steps in on really short notice to make his UFC debut having been added to the card just six days prior to the vent. Blade is an excellent kickboxer picking up the sport at 12 years old and rising to be the best in his weightclass in all of Latin America. Oliveira trains out of Renovacao Fight Team in Brazil alongside fellow UFC fighter Luiz Dutra. Oliveira has only fought once since 2011 winning by knockout in December 2013. Strengths
- Accomplished kickboxer
- Confident in his striking
- Aggressive and willing to push forward
- Powerful leg kicks attacking the body and head
- Always looking for the finish
Weaknesses
- Fights primarily at lightweight, but taking this fight at welterweight
- Questionable competition
- Doesn’t do well to strike in combination
- Poor takedown defense
- When in top control on the ground, a bit wild with his striking thus losing position
- Only one fight in the last three years
Matchup with Dhiego Lima Due to the late notice circumstances of this bout, it’s difficult to expect too much from Blade in his UFC debut. Furthermore, he’s only fought once in the last three years which is a major red flag. If Oliveira had had a proper training camp, one might even favor him to win against Lima. The TUF 19 finalist struggles with aggressive strikers who will push him against the cage and land strikes. Blade is certainly capable of pushing forward, but stepping up in weight for this bout puts him at a size disadvantage. He won’t be able to physically outmuscle Lima and that will likely be his Achilles heel. If anyone has the opportunity to take the fight to the ground, it will be Lima. If Lima’s in top control he will pressure and likely secure a submission win. UFC Ceiling Like other Brazilian fighters such as Walmir Lazaro, William Macario, and Kevin Souza, Oliveira has a strong offensive striking game. However, he will need to show that he can compete in the other facets of MMA. Oliveira’s kickboxing acumen could give trouble to some UFC fighters, but if he’s unable to prevent takedowns and from being neutralized on the mat, it won’t matter much how good he is on the feet as he’ll never be there. If Oliveira doesn’t improve his grappling, expect him to fight two to three times in UFC cards in Brazil prior to being released by the organization. If he does improve his grappling, he’ll be put into fun, fan-friendly matchups for the next few years. Fight Film Check out Jorge Oliveira in some of his recent fights: Jorge Oliveira vs. Rafael Kaiser (kickboxing match)
Jorge Oliveira vs Janio Carvalho