Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at lightweight Andrew Holbrook as he takes on TUF 13 finalist Ramsey Nijem at UFC on Fox 16 in Chicago, Illinois. Andrew Holbrook Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana Age: 29 Height: 5’11” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Indy Boxing & Grappling Career Record: 9-0 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background The undefeated lightweight enters the UFC on the back of nine consecutive wins on the Midwest regional MMA scene. All nine of his wins are via submission and all of his fights thus far have taken place in Indiana. Strengths
- Will vary strikes from the body to the head
- Good knees in the clinch
- Has had success with headkicks
- Appears to have a good chin
- Solid grappler when the fight hits the ground
- Will work for submissions from different positions
Weaknesses
- Striking technique is poor
- Easily hittable on the feet
- Clumsy footwork
- Question mark if wrestling can translate in the UFC
Matchup with Ramsey Nijem This is a great opportunity for Ramsey Nijem to notch a win. The California-born fighter is the significantly better wrestler with much better power in his hands. Nijem should be able to dictate where this fight takes place. If he feels he has the advantage on the feet, he should be able to outstrike Holbrook. If the fight goes to the mat, Nijem will very likely be in top control where he has solid ground and pound. Holbrook’s best chance of victory is by latching a submission. Nijem has been subbed before in his UFC career (James Vick) but Holbrook doesn’t have the quality in his technique that that fighter had to defeat Nijem. At -140 at time of publication, Nijem is one of the better bets on Saturday’s card. UFC Ceiling Andrew Holbrook is another fighter who comes from the Midwest regional scene that enters the UFC with an inflated record against poor opposition. While he may have more variety in his ability than teammate Garrett Whiteley, I expect his UFC stay to be similar; a couple losses and released from the organization. Fight Film Check out Andrew Holbrook in some of his most recent fights: Andrew Holbrook vs. Ramico Blackmon Andrew Holbrook vs. Daniel Head