Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Zagreb’s own Filip Pejic as he takes on Poland’s Damian Stasiak at Fight Night 86 in Zagreb, Croatia. Filip “Nitro” Pejic Hometown: Zagreb, Croatia Age: 23 Height: 5’11” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Bantamweight Camp: Olimp Ban Team Career Record: 10-1 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background The Zagreb native will make his UFC debut in his hometown. He trains at Olimp Ban Team out of Zagreb and has been fighting professionally for the better part of five years. All but one of his ten career wins has come inside the distance. Strengths
- Very long for the weight class
- Good hands within range
- Does his best work when counterstriking
- Creative guard off his back
Weaknesses
- Wild striker from range
- Poor wrestler
- Can be put on his back rather easily by opponent
- While active off his back, rarely threatens with submission attempts
Matchup with Damian Stasiak Contrast in style a a major theme of this all-European clash. Pejic is the younger, higher ceiling fighter while Stasiak is the more experienced, grappling focused bantamweight. Pejic is the much longer fighter at nearly 6 feet tall; he’s one of the tallest fighters in the division. He will work to strike in combination, but he’s rather wild so his decent output is rather nullified. In this fight, I see a significant advantage for the Polish fighter in the grappling. Pejic has some of the worst takedown defense in the division, while Stasiak is a capable wrestler. In previous fights, Stasiak has shown solid top control and decent ground and pound. I expect a majority of the fight to take place with Pejic put on his back by Stasiak. I’m not sure if we’ll see a finish, but the result should at least be clear if it goes to the judges’ scorecards. UFC Ceiling Filip Pejic has racked up a decent amount of wins on the European regional circuit, but is still very green. He’s got the length and size to compete in the organization. He’s not a bad athlete with decent output, but his skill set is very much imbalanced. In the UFC, fighters need to be able to grapple in order to have success. Pejic’s inability to defend takedowns is a real concern and it’s hard to see him improve to stick around in the UFC. With a couple more years of experience, perhaps he will get another chance in the organization, but as currently stands it’s tough to see him sticking around. Fight Film Check out Filip Pejic in some of his most recent fights: Filip Pejic vs. Francisco Barrio Filip Pejic vs. Slobodan Maksimovic