Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Massachusetts bantamweight Manny Bermudez as he makes his UFC debut against Albert Morales at UFC on Fox 28 in Orlando, Florida.
Manny Bermudez
Hometown: Abington, Massachusetts
Age: 23
Height: 5’10”
Reach: 72.5”
Weight Class: Bantamweight
Camp: South Shore Sportfighting
Career Record: 11-0
Key Wins: Saul Almeida
Key Losses: None
Background A grappling specialist, Manny Bermudez has developed into one of the top fighters in the northeast regional scene. Bermudez has won five of his last six bouts by submission.
Strengths
- Really good length for the division
- Can latch on a submission from a variety of positions
- Tremendous submission finisher
- Fights with a lot of confidence
Weaknesses
- Can be pushed against the cage
- Doesn’t have big punching power
- Hasn’t been challenged yet
Fighter Grade
Offensive Striking: D+
Striking Defense: D+
Knockout Power: D
Athleticism / Speed: C-
Footwork: C-
Chin: C-
Offensive Wrestling: C-
Takedown Defense: D+
Submissions: B+
Conditioning: C-
Intangibles: C-
Overall Grade: C- Matchup with Albert Morales In what should be exciting fight between relative youngsters, Albert Morales welcomes Manny Bermudez to the UFC. These fighters have much different styles as Morales loves to throw heavy leather and get into fire fights. Bermudez on the other hand has a great submission game and is a threat to finish at any point in time. Bermudez has faced some veterans, but he still needs to show he can finish against quality opposition before he can be considered a real threat in this weight class. Morales is likely not the fighter that will prove that. Morales can be taken to the mat rather easily and that’s where Bermudez is at his best. He’s very opportunistic in his ability to find the neck and secure a submission. Look for Bermudez to earn yet another stoppage victory in his UFC debut. Props have not been released on this fight yet, however Bermudez by submission will certainly be worth consideration.
UFC Ceiling Manny Bermudez is a highly touted prospect that has most MMA insiders have been waiting to see hit the UFC for a couple of years. While Bermudez is serviceable on the feet, he’s very dangerous in grappling situations. He reminds me a lot of when Brian Ortega first entered the UFC. He’s a finisher and that alone makes him a threat in any fight he’s in. If he can finish top level fighters like Ortega, he’ll advance quickly at bantamweight.
Fight Film Check out Manny Bermudez in some of his most recent fights:
Manny Bermudez vs. Rodrigo Almeida
Manny Bermudez vs. Jeff Anderson
Manny Bermudez vs. Bendy Casimir
