Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at American Jordan Rinaldi as he debuts in the lightweight division against Blackzillians fighter Abel Trujillo at UFC Fight Night 88 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jordan Rinaldi Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina Age: 28 Height: 5’10” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Team ROC Career Record: 12-4 Key Wins: Dennis Bermudez, Clay Harvison Key Losses: James Moontasri, Brian Ortega Background A competitor on the live season of The Ultimate Fighter, Rinaldi was submitted by Joe Proctor to eliminate him from the competition. Rinaldi enters the UFC on a five fight winning streak which he looks to extend in his promotional debut. Strengths
- Good movement on the feet
- Decent setup from striking to takedowns
- Controls opponents well when able to get top control
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t defend counterstrikes well
- Stands to upright in standing exchanges
- Lacks one punch knockout power
- Chin is a question mark
Match-up against Abel Trujillo In a match-up of two fighters that come from an amateur wrestling background, Abel Trujillo welcomes Jordan Rinaldi to the UFC. Both fighters are capable on the feet, but have a much different approach. Rinaldi has a bit more variety in what he has to offer, while Trujillo has fewer options but is more effective in having success with his approach. The biggest difference between the fighters is effective striking. Rinaldi lacks the punching power to do much damage on the feet. On the flip side, Trujillo is a heavy hitter who can end a fight at any time. I think that’s the X factor in this fight. Rinaldi could do well early, but at some point Trujillo will land a hook, hurt his opponent, and finish the fight. Trujillo by KO/TKO (+100) is the play to make in this fight. UFC Ceiling Jordan Rinaldi has a grappling friendly approach which could prove effective against some of the more striking centric fighters in the lower part of the lightweight division. Rinaldi’s biggest issue is his lack of punching power. He simply doesn’t have an ability to hurt opponents early. He has to win a war of attrition in order to get wins. That’s tough to do unless one has high level conditioning and / or extremely durable. Rinaldi hasn’t proven he excels in either of those areas. Fight Film Check out Jordan Rinaldi in some of his most recent fights: Jordan Rinaldi vs Diego Saraiva Jordan Rinaldi vs. James Moontasri