Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Australia’s Damien Brown as he takes on Brazilian Alan Patrick at Fight Night 85 in Brisbane, Australia. Damien “Beatdown” Brown Hometown: Townsville, Australia Age: 31 Height: 5’10” Reach: 70” Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Integrated MMA Career Record: 15-8 Key Wins: None Key Losses: Paul Redmond Background A member of the Australian Army serving as an infantry soldier, Brown started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2008 which has led to his participation in several promotions including Australian promotion BRACE and European-based Cage Warriors Fighting Championship. Brown holds a black belt in Zen Do Kai and a purple belt in BJJ. Of his 15 wins, eight of them have come by submission. Strengths
- Diverse Muay Thai striking game
- Good leg kicks to lead leg
- Does nicely to land elbows from top control
- Decent guillotine
- Fights at a decent pace
Weaknesses
- Small for the weight class
- Lacks one punch knockout power
- Not the most durable fighter
- Can be taken down rather easily
- Susceptible to submission attempts as he leaves himself open in transitions
Match-up against Alan Patrick While he won’t be the betting favorite, Damien Brown will be the fan favorite as he makes his UFC debut in his hometown of Brisbane, Australia. In this matchup, Brown takes on Alan Patrick; a talented Brazilian. Patrick is a large lightweight with a 74 inch reach. Furthermore, he’s the most athletic striker Brown has ever faced. Patrick is the type of fighter who comes out strong in the opening round and looks to finish. He has all the tools in this fight to do that and get it done early. Bigger, stronger, and more talented. However, one has to wonder about Patrick. He had a terrible performance against Mairkbek Taisumov in June 2015 and hasn’t fought previous to that since February 2014. If this fight doesn’t end early, Brown could certainly take over late with his superior cardio. Patrick should win this fight early convincingly, but other factors in play make me hesitant to bet him in this spot. UFC Ceiling As a 31 year old journeyman, Damien Brown has already reached the pinnacle of his MMA career. One can even argue he’s surpassed expectations. While his style of fighting could have him sneak out a win or two in the UFC, he simply doesn’t have the athleticism or the physicality of UFC lightweights to do much more than that in the promotion. He lacks one punch knockout power, above average jiu jitsu, or superior wrestling to dominate opponents. He’d need to out point fighters and win on the scorecards. It’s hard to see him doing that inside the octagon. Fight Film Check out Damien Brown in some of his most recent fights: Damien Brown vs. Pumau Campbell Damien Brown vs. Paul Redmond