Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at New Zealand’s Luke Jumeau as he makes his UFC debut against American Dominique Steele at UFC Fight Night 110 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Luke “The Jedi” Jumeau
Hometown: Hamilton, New Zealand
Age: 29
Height: 5-foot-11
Reach: NA
Weight Class: Weltereight
Camp: Core MMA
Career Record: 11-3
Key Wins: Vik Grujic
Key Losses: Li Jingliang, Jake Matthews
Background
The New Zealand-born welterweight enters his UFC debut on the back of a six-fight winning streak. In his last outing, he knocked out former UFC fighter Vik Grujic in the second round.
Strengths
- Very composed in the cage
- Good right hand
- Picks his moments and punches with precision
Weaknesses
- Low volume striker
- Limited submission game
- Terrible wrestler
- Completely out of his depth off his back
Fighter Grade
Offensive Striking: C-
Striking Defense: D
Knockout Power: D+
Athleticism / Speed: D-
Footwork: D
Chin: D+
Offensive Wrestling: D-
Takedown Defense: F
Submissions: D-
Conditioning: D+
Intangibles: D-
Overall Grade: D-
Matchup with Dominique Steele
New Zealand’s Jumeau makes his UFC debut on home turf against Steele. While Steele has shown vulnerabilities to counter-strikers and has been clipped in previous fights, he has major physical advantages in this bout. Steele is the much stronger, athletic fighter and has proven to be a capable wrestler. Steele has averaged 3.5 takedowns per 15 minutes in the Octagon. Jumeau is a poor wrestler, and I fully expect to have success securing takedowns in this bout. Nothing in Jumeau’s previous fights makes me believe he’ll be able to stuff Steele’s takedown attempts with any regularity. Look for the American to control this fight, putting the Kiwi on his back and landing ground-and-pound. In the brief moments this fight stays standing, Jumeau is a threat as he is quite precise with his striking. However, he’ll have limited chances to land a big punch, and Steele’s physical grappling prowess will be enough to win this fight either by TKO or wide decision.
UFC Ceiling
Jumeau is a composed striker who is capable of precision striking and putting opponents away if given time on the feet. Unfortunately, the rest of his skill set is rather limited. He hasn’t shown any ability on the mat and can be taken to the mat even against a relative novice wrestler. For the welterweight division, he doesn’t have the size or physical strength to fend off takedowns to keep his fights standing enough to have success. Jumeau is going to struggle in the UFC.
Fight Film
Check out Jumeau in some of his most recent fights…
Jumeau vs. Damien Fraser
Jumeau vs. Vik Grujic
Jumeau vs. Yasuaki Miura
