Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at American lightweight Matt Fevola as he makes his UFC debut against Marco Polo Reyes at UFC Fight Night 124 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Matt “The SteamRolla” Frevola
Hometown: Huntington, New York
Age: 27
Height: 5’9”
Reach: 70
Weight Class: Lightweight
Camp: LAWMMA / Gracie Jiu Jitsu Tampa
Career Record: 6-0
Key Wins: Jose Flores
Key Losses: None
Background
The undefeated lightweight has earned four of his six victories inside the distance. Most recently he appeared on the Dana White Tuesday Night Contender Series earning a spot in the UFC with a second round submission victory over Jose Flores.
Strengths
- One punch knockout power
- Heavy right hand
- Aggressive, constantly pushing forward
- Solid offensive wrestling ability
Weaknesses
- Poor job defending legs kicks
- Susceptible to strikes to the body
- Willing to take a punch to land his own
- Has moments of inactivity on the feet
Fighter Grade
Offensive Striking: C-
Striking Defense: D-
Knockout Power: C+
Athleticism / Speed: C-
Footwork: D+
Chin: D+
Offensive Wrestling: C
Takedown Defense: D+
Submissions: C-
Conditioning: C-
Intangibles: D+
Overall Grade: C-
Matchup with Marco Polo Reyes
In what should be one the most exciting matchups of the night, Marco Polo Reyes welcomes Matt Frevola into the UFC. Both fighters are aggressive and are willing to take a punch to throw one of their own. I don’t expect much of a feeling out process in this fight as both fighters will be swinging for the fences from the opening bell. After both struggle to land that decisive blow, each will look to use other elements to earn the advantage in this bout. That’s where Matt Frevola has the advantage. He’s a solid wrestler and I expect him to implement that strategy over the course of the fight. Reyes has poor takedown defense and Frevola should be able to secure takedowns regularly in this bout. Reyes doesn’t have much of an answer on the ground, so look for Frevola to do his best work on the ground winning by submission or decision. Given this is Frevola’s first UFC bout, a -235 price tag is a bit steep on this occasion. I would need under -180 to consider Frevola in this bout.
UFC Ceiling
Matt Frevola is a solid fighter that is capable of competing right away in the UFC. He combines a big overhand right with a good offensive wrestling game. While Frevola may have some limitations in terms of top end speed and athleticism, he should at a minimum be a middle of the road UFC lightweight.
Fight Film
Check out Matt Frevola in some of his most recent fights:
Matt Frevola vs. Luke Flores
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