Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Polish heavyweight Damian Grawbowski as he takes on American power puncher Derrick Lewis at Fight Night 82 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Damian “The Polish Pitbull” Grabowski Hometown: Opole, Poland Age: 35 Height: 6’1” Reach: 72 Weight Class: Heavyweight Camp: Fightspirit Team Career Record: 20-2 Key Wins: Dave Huckaba, Dion Staring Key Losses: Cole Konrad, Marcin Tybura Background A nearly ten year professional career that has seen him in some of the sport’s top promotions, Damian Grabowski has one of the better grappling games in the heavyweight division. He has a solid record having faced decent competition outside of the UFC. Strengths
- Good strikes from the clinch
- Decent offensive wrestling game
- Strong ground and pound
- Very good jiu-jitsu
Weaknesses
- Not the best athlete
- Poor footwork
- Too willing to be pushed against the cage
- Lacks power punching
Matchup with Derrick Lewis A matchup in the lower end of the heavyweight division, but one that appears to be fairly even on paper. Lewis, the younger fighter, has some of the heaviest hands in the division, but has a very limited ground game. Grabowski is much craftier fighter with a solid grappling / ground attack. This fight ultimately comes down to who can implement their preferred approach. Grabowski has never been knocked out in his professional career, can Lewis be the first to do so? It’s a tough fight to call, but I think Grabowski can weather the storm and out works Lewis to a late stoppage. UFC Ceiling At 35 years of age, Grabowski doesn’t have much time to make an impact in the UFC. While he’s a crafty fighter, he lacks the one punch knockout power to do well in this division. He could get some wins against the bottom tier of the division, but it’s hard to see him giving a challenge against the top 15. Fight Film Check out Damian Grabowski in some of his most recent fights: Damian Grabowski vs. Kenny Garner Damian Grabowski vs. Eddie Sanchez