Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at lightweight Frankie Perez as he takes on Johnny Case at UFC Fight Night 59. Frankie Perez Hometown: Wallington, New Jersey Age: 25 Height: 5’11” Reach: 73” Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Team Ricardo Almeida Jiu Jitsu Career Record: 9-1 Key Wins: None Key Losses: Chris Wade Background The New Jersey lightweight fought on the regional scene in the highly touted Ring of Combat promotion fighting notables such as fellow UFC fighter Chris Wade. The BJJ brown belt is most adept in his submission game with over half his wins coming by sub. Strengths
- Improving striking game
- Decent power in his hands
- Mixes in kicks well with solid technique
- Strikes with volume when he sees an opening
- Foot movement reminiscent of training partner Frankie Edgar
- Good sprawl to prevent takedowns
- Brown belt in jiu jitsu with solid submission abilities
- Very good conditioning and capable to fight at similar pace for entire 15 minutes of a fight
Weaknesses
- Lacks one punch knockout power
- Striking defense needs improvement
- Lacks physical strength needed for weightclass to have consistent success with takedown attempts
- When on the ground, doesn’t have strength to keep opponents grounded
Matchup with Johnny Case Frankie Perez is set up for an exciting preliminary fight matchup with Johnny Case. On paper, this seems to be a very competitive bout. Case is the more dynamic striker with significantly more power in his hands. Perez is the more well-rounded fighter with improving technical striking and a decent submission game. The UFC newcomer has showed real improvements in his overall skill set in his last couple of fights. It’s clear from the film, that he is very much taking after training partner and corner man Frankie Edgar. The game plan they put together for Perez’s last fight in World Series of Fighting against Tommy Marcellino was superb. I expect Perez to be well prepared for this fight. While Perez may have some difficulties getting Case to the ground, when he does he will have a real advantage there as Case is a relative novice off his back. On the feet, Case could certainly test Perez’s chin. However, I do expect Perez’s overall work rate to be the key factor in this matchup and give him the overall edge in this bout despite it being his UFC debut. UFC Ceiling Frankie Perez is the latest New Jersey native to get a chance inside the octagon. His work with former UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar is evident. His movement and work rate are very reminiscent of the greatest mixed martial artist ever from the Garden State. While Perez doesn’t have wrestling accolades / ability that Edgar has, he has many of the characteristics that Edgar holds. Perez has improved immensely in the past couple years and showed that he’s capable of following an excellent game plan in his World Series of Fighting matchup in 2014 with Tommy Marcellino (http://www.mma-core.com/videos/Tom_Marcellino_vs_Frankie_Perez_WSOF_13_Part_1/10081116 ). Perez’s all around ability make me believe he could have a decent career in the UFC. However, he will need to either increase his striking power or improve his wrestling if he’s going to break into the top half of the division. Fight Film Check out Frankie Perez in action: Frankie Perez vs. Allen Cozze
Frankie Perez vs. Adam Townsend