Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at American Michael McBride as he takes on former University of Minnesota wrestler Nik Lentz at UFC 203 in Cleveland, Ohio. Michael McBride Hometown: Webster City, Iowa Age: Height: 6’1” Reach: 76” Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Elite Edge MMA Career Record: 8-1 Key Wins: None Key Losses: Emmanuel Sanchez Background The Iowa native is a grappling specialist with all eight of his career wins by submission. He’s fought mainly in the Midwest regional scene with an appearance in Bellator and RFA to round out his resume. Strengths
- Skilled jiu-jitsu fighter with a lot of variance in his technique
- Good in top control advancing positions looking for submissions
- Good length for the division
Weaknesses
- Can be controlled on the ground by a good wrestler
- Lacks stand up game to threaten opponents on the feet
- Poor opposition
Match-up against Nik Lentz A battle of grapplers sees Michael McBride make his debut against quality veteran Nik Lentz. Both of these fighters are at their best when they can dominate the grappling from top position. The biggest difference in this fight is the level of wrestling. McBride is a high school caliber wrestler, while Lentz was good enough to compete at the University of Minnesota. It’s going to be a tall order for McBride to take this fight to the ground. Meanwhile, Lentz shouldn’t have too much difficulty controlling McBride on the mat. Lentz is a suffocating wrestler and is the type of fighter who can break the will of his opponents. McBride enters the fight on one week’s notice and it’s difficult to see him having the stamina to stuff takedowns and keeping this fight competitive. Look for Lentz to dominate and get a late stoppage or win all three rounds on the scorecards. Even at -425, Lentz is worth consideration for a parlay leg for this card. UFC Ceiling Michael McBride has a decent grappling game and has shown some variety in that part of his game. Outside of that, his standup needs a lot of work and his level competition is rather low for someone making his UFC debut. Unless McBride develops a stand up game, it’s hard to see him having any success inside the Octagon. Fight Film There aren’t any easily available fights online for McBride