Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Australian Steven Kennedy as he takes on Peter Sobotta at UFC Fight Night 69 in Berlin, Germany Steve “The Steamrolla” Kennedy Hometown: Perth, Australia Age: 32 Height: 6’0” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Featherweight Camp: Kickass MMA Career Record: 22-6 Key Wins: None Key Losses: Jesse Taylor Background Riding a seven-fight win streak, the Australian born Kennedy is a freestyle wrestling national champion and a BJJ black belt. He holds a win over TUF Smashes contestant Manny Rodriguez and is making his UFC debut on short notice. Strengths
- Good hands with ability to strike in combination
- Can work ground and pound when able to get in top control
- Does well to maintain positions on the ground
- Decent submission game from top control
Weaknesses
- Stiff striking technique
- Holds hands extremely low making himself an easy target to be hit
- Makes no effort to block leg kicks
- Footwork is sloppy and requires work
- Needs to improve takedown defense
- Poor level of competition faced
Matchup with Peter Sobotta While Sobotta has only fought one time since 2012, this is his fight to lose. The German fighter showed significant improvements in his striking during his last fights. He mixed in a lot of leg kicks both to the lower legs and head of his opponent. Kennedy makes practically no effort to defend leg kicks, so this is a key area where the German fighter should have the edge. Sobotta also has the edges in the grappling as he’s much more adept at shooting for takedowns. While Kennedy is fairly good in top control, it’s unlikely he’ll be able to get those kind of positions on Sobotta. While I’m not convinced Sobotta will score a finish, he should at least win a comfortable decision and is worth playing in a parlay at the current asking price (-250). UFC Ceiling I’ve never thought highly of the Australian regional MMA scene. Most of the fighters that have come over to the UFC were already in their thirties and had little to no success inside the octagon. While Kennedy has a bit more balance to his fighting acumen than some of his other countrymen, I expect similar results inside the octagon. Kennedy is being brought in to the UFC to give Sobotta a very winnable fight in front of his home crowd. Nothing more, nothing less. Fight Film Check out Steve Kennedy in some of his most recent fights: Steve Kennedy vs. Cole Davids Steve Kennedy vs. Manny Rodriguez