Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Japanese UFC newcomer Daichi Abe as he takes on South Korea’s Hyun Gyu Lim in the opening fight of UFC Fight Night 117 in Japan.
Daichi Abe
Hometown: Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Age: 25
Height: 5’11”
Reach: 72”
Weight Class: Welterweight
Camp: HMC Academy
Career Record: 5-0
Key Wins: None
Key Losses: None
Background The 25-year-old welterweight has been only fighting professionally for 1 year. In that time, he’s compiled five wins with all but one of those victories coming by stoppage.
Strengths
- Good movement
- Really quick hands
- Above average knockout power
- Recovers well from being clipped
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t check leg kicks
- Striking defense is questionable at best
- No semblance of a ground game
Fighter Grade
Offensive Striking: C-
Striking Defense: D-
Knockout Power: C+
Athleticism / Speed: C-
Footwork: C-
Chin: C-
Offensive Wrestling: D-
Takedown Defense: D-
Submissions: F
Conditioning: D
Intangibles: D-
Overall Grade: D
Matchup against Hyun Gyu Lim In what should be an explosive contest, Hyun Gyu Lim welcomes Daichi Abe into the UFC. Abe is a promising young Japanese fighter having just started in MMA but has quickly worked his way into the UFC. He takes on one of the biggest welterweights in Hyun Gyu Lim. This fight should be fireworks as both like to stand and trade. This is set-up to be a first guy who falls loses type of bout. Abe has been clipped already in his career, but has recovered well. Lim has faltered in his last two fights, but both of those were against quality competition. Lim is a tough out given his size and natural punching power. Abe has talent, but is a significant step up in competition and likely a test he will not pass. I favor Lim in this bout to get the finish, but the better play is the under 1.5 total (-140).Given the striking propensity of both fighters, this bout shouldn’t last long.
UFC Ceiling Daichi Abe is a striking centric welterweight who will entertain each time he’s in the cage. He has a nice striking arsenal and will certainly look for the finish. On the flip side, his defense is a work in progress. This contrast means he has to rely on his chin to be successful. Until he’s truly tested, it’s hard to tell just how good his chin is. In the meantime, look for him to be in entertaining bouts.
Fight Film Check out Daichi Abe in some of his most recent fights:
Daichi Abe vs. Hiromitsu Miura
https://www.ufc.tv/video/daichi-abe-vs-hiromitsu-miura-pancrase-288 Daichi Abe vs. Kenta Tagaki
https://www.ufc.tv/video/daichi-abe-vs-kenta-takagi-pancrase-282
