Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Californian Lewis Gonzalez as he takes on Brazil’s Leandro Silva at UFC Fight Night 70 in Hollywood, Florida. Lewis “Lethal” Gonzalez Hometown: Turlock, California Age: 27 Height: 5’11” Reach: 72” Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: MMAGold Fight Team Career Record: 10-1 Key Wins: Justin Bucholz Key Losses: Luis Palomino Background A former state high school wrestling champion in California, Gonzalez has a solid 10-1 record having a handful of wins over fighters with either Bellator, UFC, or WSOF experience. Strengths
- Aggressive wrestler
- Does his best work in the clinch grinding for takedowns
- When able to get position on the ground, works elbows and punches for effective ground and pound
Weaknesses
- Will struggle if unable to force the fight to the ground
- Very susceptible to left hook
- Can be outmuscled by stronger fighters
Matchup with Leandro Silva As fighters are taking this fight on short notice at welterweight, this is definitely a situation where weigh ins should play a key factor before making a wager. Ultimately though, this fight will play out on how effective Silva is early on. He’s shown to be a fighter that starts well and struggles with conditioning as the fight plays on. Silva is physically imposing and expect him for to score an early takedown where he will threaten for a submission to win in the 1st round. That’s probably a good prop to take as the most likely outcome of this fight. If Gonzalez can survive the opening round, it’s anybody’s match as Silva struggles with conditioning and Gonzalez will get the better of the exchanges and perhaps takedowns of his own in the second half of the fight. UFC Ceiling Lewis Gonzalez is not a natural MMA fighter. His movement is stiff and he doesn’t have the striking prowess to truly threaten opponents on the feet. Sure, he can win some fights by grinding his opponents out and gaining top position on the ground. That may even be enough to get a win or two against the UFC’s bottom feeders. It’s not enough however to have a lengthy career in the UFC. He will need to improve his stand up game to stick around. Fight Film Check out Lewis Gonzalez in some of his most recent fights: Lewis Gonzalez vs. Antonio McKee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESSnrKwMF74 Lewis Gonzalez vs. Luis Palomino https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjIXKRlZPh4