Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at New Jersey’s Tim Williams as he makes his UFC debut against Oskar Piechota at UFC Fight Night 126 in Austin, Texas.
Tim “The South Jersey Strangler” Williams
Hometown: Millville, New Jersey
Age: 31
Height: 6’2”
Reach: 76″
Weight Class: Middleweight
Camp: 302 BJJ
Career Record: 15-3
Key Wins: Nah-shon Burrell, Bojan Velickovic
Key Losses: Dhiego Lima, Anthony Smith
Background
TUF Season 19 veteran Tim Williams has fought mainly in of the east coast’s top promotions, Cage Fury Fighting Championships. He’s won his last five bouts heading into his UFC debuting.
Strengths
- Good composure in the cage
- Has the size of UFC middleweights
- Uses a lot of trip takedowns
- Capable grinder
- Decent submission game on the mat
Weaknesses
- Not overly athletic
- Lacks one punch knockout power
- Nothing stands out on the feet
- Overabundance of decisions outside of the UFC
Fighter Grade
Offensive Striking: D
Striking Defense: D+
Knockout Power: D-
Athleticism/Speed: D+
Footwork: C-
Chin: C-
Offensive Wrestling: C
Takedown Defense: D+
Submissions: C-
Conditioning: C
Intangibles: D+
Overall Grade: D+
Matchup against Oskar Piechota In a matchup of fighters with similar styles, Tim Williams welcomes Oskar Piechota to the United States. On paper, this is a fairly close matchup. Neither fighter has huge power on the feet, so expect this to be a grinding affair. Piechota is four years younger, but the experience level leans towards the American. Piechota is a bit better on the feet as his leg kicks are the best striking tool of either fighter in this bout. In terms of the grappling, the wrestling is fairly equal. Both fighters have shown variety in how they are able to get the fight to the mat. In the grappling exchanges, Piechota has a much more advanced submission game appearing to be way more likely to earn a finish. Piechota is my pick to win the fight, but is certainly not a lock. At -285, the line is inflated on Piechota and is getting close to a price where it may make sense to consider Williams in his debut.
UFC Ceiling Tim Williams is an above average sized middleweight with a lot of different tools. While he doesn’t excel in any one area, he’s more than capable of competing right away in this division. With that said, he doesn’t have one punch knockout power and will need to grind out decisions to earn victories. Given the weight class, he will be tested by fighters with much more to offer in the standing exchanges. How he handles the power striking in this division, will determine his success in the UFC.
Fight Film Check out Tim Williams in some of his most recent fights:
Tim Williams vs. Muhammad Abdullah
Tim Williams vs. Bojan Velickovic
