Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at France’s Michael Lebout as he takes on submission wizard Sergio Moraes at UFC Fight Night 64 in Krakow, Poland. Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout Hometown: Paris, France Age: 27 Height: 5’11” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Welterweight Camp: Higher Level MMA Career Record: 13-3-1 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background A teammate of fellow UFC Fight Night 64 debutant Taylor Lapilus, Mickael Lebout is a veteran of the European MMA scene who has faced a good set of regional prospects and veterans thus far in his career. Strengths
- Decent all around fighter
- Solid in the clinch
- Mixes in lower leg kicks very well
- Physically tough / hard to put away
- Good in transitions
- Good in top control
Weaknesses
- Lacks athleticism to compete with top welterweights
- Relies on volume striking as opposed to good technique
- Poor striking technique really shows when forced to strike from distance
- Leaves himself very open to counters when he pushes forward
- Below average takedown defense
Matchup with Sergio Moraes Frenchman Mickael Lebout makes his UFC debut against one of the best BJJ practitioners in modern MMA in Sergio Moraes. The Brazilian is a talented fighter who has fought at a variety of weight classes against guys as big as Cezar Mutante (middleweight). In this welterweight clash, the two fighters are very similar in size. That should be a welcome change for Moraes who last fought against the biggest welterweight in the sport (Neil Magny). Lebout is a fairly well-rounded fighter with a volume-heavy striking game and solid transitions with good top control. The issue Lebout has is that he doesn’t have the striking power to make Moraes nervous on the feet. Moraes will be able to develop comfort on the feel as he will look for the takedown when given an opportunity. On the mat, the Brazilian has a huge advantage. He’s capable of working for submissions from any position on the ground. Over the course of 15 minutes, Moraes will be able to capitalize on opportunities and lock in a submission to get the win over the debuting Frenchman. The Moraes wins inside the distance prop (-125) is very likely; all but one of Moraes’ victories have been by submission. UFC Ceiling Mickael Lebout has a skill-set which could potentially see him have a few fights in the UFC. His volume striking will allow him to win rounds as he’ll be able to outland against most opponents based on volume. While his top control game is good, his ability to defend a takedown is poor and wrestling heavy opponents should be able to control him on the ground. Lebout is only 27 years of age, so there is some opportunity to sure up some of his holes. Look for Lebout to face off against some of the bottom feeders in the welterweight division and be able to stick around for a few years as a bit of a gatekeeper for debutants. Fight Film Check out Mickael Lebout in some of his recent fights: Mickael Lebout vs. Davy Gallon
Mickael Lebout vs. Kai Puolakka