Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at American Andrew Todhunter as he takes on talented Albert Tumenov at UFC 188 in Mexico City, Mexico. Andrew “The Sniper” Todhunter Hometown: Claremore, Oklahoma Age: 26 Height: 6’0” Reach: 73” Weight Class: Welterweight Camp: Clinch Martial Arts Academy Career Record: 7-0 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background A former Army Sniper, Todhunter enters the UFC with an undefeated record with all wins coming via submission. In addition to MMA, Todhunter does have a few boxing matches under his belt as well. Strengths
- Good size for the welterweight division
- Improving stand-up
- Does well to land in combination
- Strong grappling background
- Able to work for takedowns in a variety of stand-up situations
- Does well in top control advancing position to work for submissions
Weaknesses
- Very inexperienced
- Taking this fight on short notice
- First time cut to welterweight
- Too reliant on his ground game
- Question marks on what happens in prolonged stand-up affair
Matchup with Albert Tumenov Taking a fight on short notice is rarely easy. Taking a fight against Albert Tumenov is never easy. Tumenov is one of the best prospects in the division at only 23 years of age. He’s won his last three fights inside the Octagon and has been more impressive in each outing. Tumenov is a very good striker with improving takedown defense. If this fight stays on the feet, Tumenov will have a clear edge. On the other hand, Todhunter is a big welterweight (traditionally fights at middleweight). If the American has a good weight cut, this fight could be interesting. Todhunter is physically very strong with a solid wrestling base. Tumenov could have problems if he has issues defending the takedown. Tumenov is the rightful favorite in this fight, but the line is a bit too rich for my taste given the unknown circumstances surrounding the bout. This is a bout that is important to see on the prelims. If Todhunter struggles with the weight cut, Tumenov should breeze through the fight. If there are no weight issues, it should be more competitive than the line indicates and an outside chance that Todhunter can pull out the win. UFC Ceiling Andrew Todhunter is not a flashy fighter. He has a good pedigree for MMA with his military background with army hand to hand fighting experience. He’s a strong positional grappler that is able to drag fighters to the floor and generally hold them there while advancing positions for basic choke techniques. Many compare him to Tim Kennedy and there seems to be some validity to that. Yes, they both come from sniping backgrounds in the US Army, but also because their physique and style of fighting is similar. Todhunter is still quite raw, but has the tenacity already to give good fighters problems in the Octagon. His striking will need to improve to challenge top fighters, but currently he will even give mid-level guys problems. Expect him to have a lengthy career inside the Octagon. Fight Film Check out Andrew Todhunter in his most recent fight Andrew Todhunter vs. Art Parker