Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at welterweight Brian Camozzi as he makes his UFC debut against Randy Brown at UFC Fight Night 102 in Albany, New York Brian “The Mantis” Camozzi Hometown: Alameda, California Age: 25 Height: 6’2” Reach: 76.5” Weight Class: Welterweight Camp: factoryX Muay Thai Career Record: 7-2 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background Brother of fellow UFC fighter Chris Camozzi, Brian has earned all seven of his victories by stoppage. However, his two losses have come by decision. Camozzi is a veteran of RFA having won the promotion’s welterweight championship prior to signing with the UFC. Strengths
- Training in MMA prior to finishing high school
- Good muay thai skill set
- Sharp overhand right
- Very good in the clinch with knee strikes
- Controls the cage well
- Fights at a consistent pace for 15 minutes
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t possess one punch knockout power
- Slow footwork
- Limited offensive wrestling game
Matchup against Randy Brown An interesting striking matchup pits two lengthy welterweights in Randy Brown and Brian Camozzi. Brown has relied on his raw gifts thus far in the UFC; size and athleticism. Camozzi is at least able to match the size as he’s just one inch shorter than his opponent. Brown certainly has the bigger knockout power, but Camozzi has a great chin and has a better technical skill set. I don’t see either fighter taking this fight to floor, so look for a 15 minute striking contest. I expect this to be a close fight with both fighters having their moments in this bout. I think the edge lies with Camozzi as he’s far more experienced and has shown to be the more resilient fighter. I also like the pace Camozzi sets in his fight; I can certainly see Brown slowing down in the second half of the fight and Camozzi training at altitude in Colorado has a real advantage in that regard. At +150, I think this is a great price on a fighter I believe should be a slight favorite in this bout. UFC Ceiling Brian Camozzi has a lot of the same fighting attribute as his brother fellow UFC fighter Chris Camozzi. He has a strong muay thai base with a heavy range kicking game. While he doesn’t have as much bite on his kicks, he’s a better boxer with much better takedown defense with an underrated submission game. At just 25 years of age, Camozzi already has a pretty refined skill set, but I do think there’s time for him to grow and expand even further. I expect Camozzi to be able to fight in the UFC for years to come. While I don’t expect him to come close to title contention, he’s a type of fighter who could potentially have 10+ fights in the UFC during his fighting career. Fight Film Check out Brian Camozzi in some of her most recent fights: Brian Camozzi vs. Nick Barnes Brian Camozzi vs. Kenn Glenn Brian Camozzi vs. Tyler Milner