Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at newcomer Chase Sherman as he takes on fellow debutant, Justin Ledet at UFC Fight Night 92 in Salt Lake City, Utah Chase “White Gorilla” Sherman Hometown: D’Iberville, Mississippi Age: 26 Height: 6’4” Reach: Weight Class: Heavyweight Camp: Alan Belcher’s MMA Career Record: 9-1 Key Wins: Jack May Key Losses: Alex Nicholson Background A student of former top 15 UFC middleweight Alan Belcher, the former NCAA Division II football player has earned all nine of his victories by knockout. He’s never been beyond two rounds in his professional career. Strengths
- Decent athlete
- Good use of lower leg kicks
- Quick hands
- Decent body lock takedown
Weaknesses
- Not a technical striker
- Striking defense needs to improve
- Little head movement
- Zero submission game
Match-up against Justin Ledet In a match-up of two fighters making their UFC debut, there are a lot of unknowns surrounding this bout. The biggest question marks are with Ledet. He’s mainly fought at 205, but has fought at heavyweight in his last couple bouts. He’s a bit undersized for heavyweight, but he has a real nice boxing approach and certainly is the more skilled striker in this bout. Sherman is bigger and certainly appears stronger. He also has the more savvy wrestling game. Neither fighter has the background to suggest this will be a blow out. As neither fighter has gone to a decision, the best thing to consider is the fight doesn’t go the distance. As for a side, I prefer the bigger, more physical fighter, Sherman, to get the victory, but this is one of the more difficult fights to call on the card. UFC Ceiling Chase Sherman certainly has the size to compete in the UFC. He’s got a decent striking game, but is way too hittable and his lack of big striking power is a significant worry in this weight class. Sherman may get the win in this fight, but there are too many question marks to make me believe he’ll be able to move up much in the heavyweight ladder. Nothing in his skill set suggests he’s a fighter capable of having a lengthy career in the UFC. Fight Film Check out Chase Sherman in some of his most recent fights: Chase Sherman vs. Sammy Collingwood Chase Sherman vs. Alex Nicholson Chase Sherman vs. Alex Rozman