Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Damian Stasiak as he takes on veteran Yaotzin Meza at UFC Fight Night 64 in Krakow, Poland. Damian Stasiak Hometown: Lodz, Poland Age: 25 Height: 5’8” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Featherweight Camp: United Gym Career Record: 8-2 Key Wins: None Key Losses: Magomed Magomedov Background 25-year old Polish featherweight Damian Stasiak comes from an accomplished karate background. He’s the 2014 European Cup Champion in karate which really speaks to his technical ability in striking exchanges. Surprisingly though, the majority of his wins have come via submission as opposed to knockout. Strengths
- Excellent karate pedigree
- Solid kicking game that is difficult to predict
- Underrated ability to score takedowns
- Strong top control
- Crafty submission game
- Able to work submissions from both top control and in the guard
Weaknesses
- Tends to strike in singular motions as opposed to combinations
- Not active enough on the feet
- Struggles with aggressive opponents
- Too willing to go to his back to work for guillotines
Matchup with Yaotzin Meza Polish fighter Damian Stasiak makes his UFC debut in his native country against MMA Lab fighter Yaotzin Meza. The American is the far more experienced fighter with 30 professional fights. At 34 years of age and having lost three of his last four bouts, this is likely Meza’s last hurrah in the UFC. Stasiak is a natural featherweight while Meza has most recently fought at bantamweight losing clear decisions to Chico Camus and Sergio Pettis. Stasiak is most definitely the more talented striker. The Polish fighter has a strong pedigree in karate and his technique is much smoother than that of Meza. The wrestling is likely a wash and will likely come down to who is the better scrambler on the ground. Stasiak is the physically stronger fighter and will earn top position more often than not on the canvas. He’s also the better submission artist especially from top control. Furthermore, this is the first time Meza will be fighting in Europe and the crowd will be heavily behind the home country fighter in Stasiak. Look for the much younger Stasiak to get the better of the fight standing and have more control on the ground en route to a decision win. At publication, Stasiak currently sits at (-140) and is the right side in this fight. UFC Ceiling Damian Stasiak is a young fighter, but has a decent balance to his fighting game. He combines his karate background and with a top heavy grappling game. He’s too reliant on fighting for submissions off his back against strong grapplers. On the feet, he can be overwhelmed by aggressive strikers. There’s just too many glaring holes in which even average fighters in the UFC will be able to take advantage. Stasiak should be able to beat lower rung fighters in the octagon, but will struggle with a step up in competition. Fight Film Check out Damian Stasiak in some of his recent fights: Damian Stasiak vs. Lukasz Grochowski
Damian Stasiak vs. Magomed Magomedov
Damian Stasiak vs. Kamil Selwa