Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at TUF Brazil 4 lightweight finalist Glaico Franca as he takes on fellow finalist Fernando Bruno at UFC 190 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Glaico “Nego” Franca Hometown: Balneario Camboriu, Santa Catarina, Brazil Age: 24 Height: 6’0” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Astra Fight Team Career Record: 12-3 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background TUF Brazil 4 Finalist Glaico Franca has fought exclusively on the regional circuit before appearing on the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter. All but one of his career wins has come inside the distance. Strengths
- Good size for the weight class
- Aggressive in the standup and willing to engage with opponent
- Capable of either striking or grappling whichever is better against his opponent
- Recovers strong when clipped on the feet
- Can nicely execute trip, single, and double leg takedowns
- Ground game is solid
- Excellent rear naked choke
Weaknesses
- Too hittable on the feet
- Needs to improve striking defense
- Can be backed up by a superior striker
Matchup with Fernando Bruno This is likely the closer matchup of the two TUF finales at UFC 190. Franca is the younger fighter with the more diverse fighting prowess. Not only is he a solid grappler, but he can contend on the feet. Bruno is almost exclusively a grappler and will press the fight to the ground for the majority of the bout. Bruno is more seasoned having trained at Novo Uniao, but at 33 years of age he’s significantly older than his opponent. In this matchup, I like the younger fighter who is the far better striker, but also capable of controlling the fight in the grappling exchanges. Bruno tends to keep his neck exposed in his fights, so Franca is a threat to win this fight by submission as well. While I don’t think this fight is a slam dunk, I do think there are enough advantages for Franca to consider him worth a bet at UFC 190. UFC Ceiling Glaico Franca is only 24 years old and appears to be developing a well-rounded style capable of giving many fighters a threat in the lightweight division. He has capable hands and recovers well from getting hit. His wrestling game is advanced working singles, doubles, and trip takedowns. From the ground he transitions excellently to the back and has a very good rear naked choke. On TUF, he showed he had the best submission game of the 16 fighters participating. As he develops and continues to add new tools, he should do well enough to stick around the UFC for quite a few years. Fight Film Check out Glaico Franca in some of his most recent fights: Glaico Franca vs. Joaquim Silva Glaico Franca vs. Igor Soares