Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at newcomer Joseph Gigliotti as he takes on veteran Trevor Smith at UFC Fight Night 92 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Joseph “Capo” Gigliotti Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio Age: 22 Height: 5’11” Reach: 69” Weight Class: Middleweight Camp: Power MMA Career Record: 7-0 Key Wins: John Poppie Key Losses: None Background He’s only been fighting professionally for two years, but Joseph Gigliotti has already gotten the call to the UFC. Training out of Power MMA in Arizona, Gigliotti trains out of a strong camp that includes UFC veterans Ryan Bader and CB Dollaway. Gigliotti has won all of his professional fights by stoppage. Strengths
- Good hand speed
- Very good power for the weight class
- Solid wrestling game
- Strong submissions with a very good guillotine
Weaknesses
- Small for the division
- Forced to fight inside due to reach disadvantage
Match-up against Trevor Smith This is a good test for Joe Gigliotti as he makes his debut in the UFC against long-time veteran Trevor Smith. Gigliotti will be at height and length disadvantage in this fight, but that’s been the norm for him in his career thus far. The wrestling appears to be fairly similar and could negate each other. I think this fight stays standing where Gigliotti is much faster and is able to get inside and land heavy hands putting Smith away. Smith has been knocked out in the first round in two of his last four bouts. I can very much see that happening here as the young upstart Gigliotti gets a solid win on his record. The total on this fight is set at 1.5 (-120). I believe that’s one of the better bets on the card. UFC Ceiling There aren’t too many young prospects in the UFC’s middleweight division, but Joe Gigliotti appears to be one of the better ones in recent memory. He fights out of a very strong camp with high level MMA fighters. Combine that experience with a solid physique, heavy hands, a strong wrestling game, and quality chokes. Gigliotti is a fighter to watch in the middleweight division with his ability to finish fights in a variety of ways. I expect him to be able to step into the UFC and compete right away. Fight Film Check out Joseph Gigliotti in some of his most recent fights: Joseph Gigliotti vs. John Poppie Joseph Gigliotti vs. Nick Salantri Joseph Gigliotti vs. Robert Wilbanks