Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Californian Dominic Waters as he takes on veteran George Sullivan at the TUF 21 Finale in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dominic “Sho Nuff” Waters Hometown: Santa Rosa, California Age: 26 Height: 6’1” Reach: 79” Weight Class: Welterweight Camp: Nor Cal Fighting Alliance Career Record: 9-2 Key Wins: None Key Losses: Ron Keslar, Curtis Millender Background The 26 year old California native has fought for a variety of organizations including the World Series of Fighting before getting this opportunity with the UFC. Strengths
- Excellent size for the division with an 80 inch reach
- Decent double leg
- Length allows him to be dangerous off his back working for submissions
Weaknesses
- Poor head movement
- Lacks knockout power
- Struggles to defend takedowns against capable of wrestlers
- Taking fight on short notice
Matchup with George Sullivan Dominic Waters enters the UFC taking a fight on one week’s notice to face veteran George Sullivan. Waters is intriguing mainly due to his size as he has a whopping 79 inch reach. That puts right near the top of the welterweight division in terms of reach. Unfortunately for Waters, he hasn’t shown yet in his career that he’s capable of taking advantage of that length advantage. He mainly throws hooks as opposed to a probing jab that would be more effective given his physique. Sullivan is a grinder that can throw with volume. In addition, he’s a more accurate striker and should certainly do better on the feet. The grappling game is interesting. Sullivan had been reliable in the past, but was thoroughly outmatched in his last fight against Tim Means. Age could be catching up to Sullivan, but even so Waters doesn’t have the striking skillset to hurt Sullivan. Look for Sullivan to grind out a competitive decision. UFC Ceiling The Nor Cal Alliance fighter has the size to be an interesting prospect in this sport. While he’s not as big as Neil Magny, his stature reminds me of him. Waters doesn’t have the striking to really make use of his size. He really needs to develop a jab that will allow him to use his reach advantage properly. His offensive wrestling is decent with an underrated double leg. In top control, he can hold position well and score. Can he be a grinder? Possibly, but his career would be better suited to basic distance striking combined with timely takedowns. He’s certainly still green, but there’s enough there to work with to think he could have a decent career in the UFC if he focuses on the right areas to improve. Fight Film Check out Dominic Waters in some of his most recent fights: Dominic Waters vs. Kenny Ento Dominic Waters vs. Rigoberto Oropeza