Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at undefeated featherweight Renato Carneiro as he takes on Finnish featherweight Tom Niinimaki at UFC Fight Night 58. Renato “Moicano” Carneiro Hometown: Brasilia, Brazil Age: 25 Height: 5’11” Weight Class: Middleweight Camp: Constrictors Team Career Record: 8-0-1 Key Wins: Iliarde Santos Key Losses: None Background The former Jungle Fights Featherweight Champion is entering the UFC still undefeated. The Brazilian fighter has been competing professionally since 2010, but has been training in martial arts since he was a child. In addition, he teaches general MMA as well as muay thai. Strengths
- Very good size for the division at nearly six feet tall
- Decent fundamental striker
- Above average wrestling
- Effective top control
- Good submissions with powerful chokes
Weaknesses
- Taking his UFC debut fight on short notice
- Lacks one punch knockout power
Matchup with Tom Niinimaki This is a matchup of two fighters who prefer to do the same thing. Both fighters like to control the grappling exchanges and work in top control. In his time in the UFC, Niinimaki has struggled against long featherweights. Niinimaki has decent wrestling, but longer fighters have succeeded in sweeping him and putting him in difficult positions to defend. Carneiro is taking this bout on short notice which is a concern especially in his UFC debut. While the debutant has the physical advantages here in a close matchup, he’s still relatively raw and unproven. There are too many factors here to feel confident in any side in this battle. If one is looking for a long shot in this matchup, Carneiro’s likely road to victory is by submission. At the time of publication, that prop is available at Several Bookmakers at over +400. UFC Ceiling Renato Carneiro has the size and athleticism to compete in the UFC’s featherweight division. He has a good grappling game with submission ability that is already good enough to compete at the UFC level. His ability to control fights in a grappling heavy division remains to be seen. Furthermore, will he be able to have success on the feet if he’s unable to have success in taking the fight to the ground? Those are major questions that will need to be answered as he faces the better fighters in the division. Fight Film Check out Renato Carneiro in some of his recent fights: Renato Carneiro vs. Iliarde Santos
Renato Carneiro vs. Felipe Froes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2SqacGGzfI