Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at former WSOF strawweight champion Jessica Aguilar as she takes on fellow contender Claudia Gadelha at UFC 190 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Jessica “JAG” Aguilar Hometown: Porza Rica, Veracruz, Mexico Age: 33 Height: 5’3” Reach: 61” Weight Class: Strawweight Camp: American Top Team Career Record: 19-4 Key Wins: Carla Esparza, Megumi Fujii Key Losses: None Background The former WSOF champion is widely recognized as one of the top strawweights in the world. The jiu-jitsu brown belt has an excellent grappling game working from top control and was also a standout in Bellator. Strengths
- Jiu jitsu brown belt
- Good footwork
- Accelerates well into takedown attempts
- Excellent control from top position
- Well-conditioned
Weaknesses
- Not a natural finisher
- Lacks power in her standup
- Can be taken down
Matchup with Claudia Gadelha In what amounts to a number one contender’s fight in the strawweight division, Jessica Aguilar makes her UFC debut against Brazilian Claudia Gadelha. Both women using a grappling heavy approach to their attacks. Gadelha is the more explosive fighter with heavier hands and a black belt in jiu jitsu. Aguilar has the better footwork and is the much better conditioned fighter. On paper, this is a very competitive matchup with whomever is able to score takedowns the likely winner in this fight. Gadelha’s ability to explode into takedown attempts is likely the difference in this fight and in a three round fight, she should be able to score top control enough to get the win. However, given Gadelha’s problems cutting weight in the past and struggling with conditioning as her fights progress, -400 seems like an overreaction of the Brazilian fighter. That’s a lot of disrespect for a very good fighter in Aguilar with a great motor who can fight consistently over 15 minutes. Aguilar is certainly worth consideration as a +325 underdog. UFC Ceiling Entering the UFC, Jessica Aguilar is one of the top fighters in the division. Her footwork and technique on the feet are in the top half of the division, while her grappling is right near the top. Aguilar may be 33 years old, but her skill set has not been effected at all with her age. In fact, she looks just as good as when she defeated Carla Esparza in Bellator three years ago. For the next few years, Aguilar should be a consistent presence in the top five of the strawweight division. Fight Film Check out Jessica Aguilar in some of her most recent fights: Jessica Aguilar vs. Carla Esparza Jessica Aguilar vs. Alida Gray