Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at New York native Lyman Good as he takes on Andrew Craig at Fight Night 71 in San Diego, California. Lyman Good Hometown: Harlem, New York Age: 30 Height: 6’0” Reach: 73” Weight Class: Welterweight Camp: Team Tiger Schulmann Career Record: 18-3 Key Wins: Nah-Shon Burrell, Hector Urbina Key Losses: Ben Askren, Rick Hawn, Andrey Koreshkov Background A former Bellator welterweight champion, Lyman Good is an experienced fighter having fought most of the best in Bellator during his stint there including Ben Askren. Good owns a Tiger Schulmann location in New York where he also serves as head instructor. Strengths
- Decent combination striker
- Has some power in his hands
- Heavy ground and pound
- Does well to hold position in top control
Weaknesses
- Lack of movement defending strikes
- Takedown defense is below average
- Struggles to get back to his feet when put on the mat
Matchup with Andrew Craig Andrew Craig drops a weight class and returns to the octagon for the first time in a year as he takes on former Bellator champion Lyman Good. Craig will be a big welterweight and is a good athlete. In recent fights, his chin has been significantly tested and he has not passed the test. Neither guy does well to defend takedowns, so I wouldn’t be surprised if part of this fight takes place on the mat. Overall, Good is a top heavy fighter with real power in his hands. He certainly has the ability to hurt Craig on the feet or to use his solid offensive grappling game to have control on the mat. Unless Craig is able to score takedowns regularly and have top position for large portions of this fight, Good should be in the driver’s seat to get a win in his debut. UFC Ceiling Lyman Good has a pretty good offensive tool box, but his ability to defend takedowns is what has held him back and will continue to hold him back in his MMA career. Any fighter focused on securing takedowns will be able to nullify Good’s offense and take rounds. Good has never been finished in his career and will hold his own against most strikers. If he worked hard on defending takedowns, he could make a surge to be a fringe top 15 fighter in the division. Until then, his fights will present good betting opportunities in specific matchups. Fight Film Check out Lyman Good in some of his most recent fights: Lyman Good vs. Ian Stephens Lyman Good vs. Michail Tsarev