Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Brazilian middleweight Leonardo Guimaraes as he takes on American Trevor Smith at Fight Night 83 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Leonardo “Leleco” Guimaraes Hometown: Salvador, Bahia, Brazil Age: 32 Height: 6’0” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Middleweight Camp: Gracie Barra Bahia Career Record: 11-1 Key Wins: Richardson Moreira Key Losses: None Background A 10 year veteran of mixed martial arts, Guimaraes has fought exclusively in Brazil. In his last outing, he earned a decision victory over former UFC fighter and TUF Brazil veteran Richardson Moreira. Strengths
- Decent pop in his hands
- Works in strikes well to the body at close range
- Solid chin
- Good knees in the clinch
- Can work for submissions on the ground
Weaknesses
- Plodding footwork
- Technical deficiencies in his striking
- Poor strike defense
- Poor conditioning
Matchup against Trevor Smith In his UFC debut, Leonardo Guimaraes takes on veteran Trevor Smith. There are several advantages for Smith in this bout. He’ll be the much larger fighter in the cage with a three inch height and reach advantage. In the stand up, the fight should be fairly competitive. Guimaraes has a nice combination game, but Smith will be able to utilize reach and work his jab on the outside. In the grappling, Smith has a significant wrestling advantage. I expect Smith to work in takedowns in this bout and control the Brazilian on the ground. Smith is a big middleweight and he’ll be able to wear the Brazilian out on the ground with punches. He did exactly that in his last fight with Dan Miller. Smith has been knocked out four times in his career, so that is a concern, but ultimately this his fight to lose. If he avoids the early knockout, he should win by dominant decision. UFC Ceiling Guimaraes is a 32-year old fighter with a rather limited skill set. He’ll push forward and has a decent combination striking attack, but he’s small for the weightclass and doesn’t have the conditioning to outwork opponents. I expect him to fight in the UFC a couple of times against aging veterans or debutants. Expectations are minimal. Fight Film Check out Leonardo Guimaraes in some of his most recent fights: Leonardo Guimaraes vs. Vinicius Lima Leonardo Guimaraes vs. Richardson Moreira