Prior to each UFC fight card, Jay Primetown takes a look at some of the key contests at each event. In the latest installment, we look at a match-up of two up and coming welterweights when Randy Brown takes on Michael Graves in Tampa, Florida at UFC on Fox 19. Randy Brown (Record: 7-0, +100 Underdog, Fighter Grade: D+) The Massachusetts-born Randy Brown moved to Jamaica as a young child spending over 10 years in the Caribbean nation prior to returning to the UFC. Brown was spotted on a Ring of Combat card by Dana White on the Fight Pass show, “Looking for a Fight” and was signed to a contract to the UFC. Brown extended his undefeated run to seven fights when he won a unanimous decision in his UFC debut in January. He currently fights out of Budokan Martial Arts Academy in New York City. The lengthy 6’3” welterweight is long and athletic for the weight class. He mixes in a variety of leg kicks with a solid boxing game. He’s got good pop with four of his seven victories coming by knockout. He does his best work in the clinch with really effective striking with his knees using his long frame. While he’s not a complete novice on the ground that appears to be a weakness in his game. His takedown defense is solid, but there appear to be holes there capable of being exploited. Michael Graves (Record: 5-0, -110 Favorite, Fighter Grade: C) The American Top Team-trained welterweight has started his career a perfect 5-0. He got his big break when the UFC introduced The Ultimate Fighter 21 pitting American Top Team against the Blackzilians. Graves went 1-1 on the show, losing to eventual winner Kamaru Usman in what was a very competitive match-up. In his fight on the finale, Graves had an excellent performance defeating Vincente Luque and positioning him for a solid run in the UFC. Graves is a young well-rounded fighter. Despite not being big for the weight class, he’s very much an underrated athlete. His speed really is under the radar as his offensive wrestling game. In his debut against Luque, Graves secured seven takedowns. He does well to chain together combinations in transition. He’s a smart fighter and looks to be a better fighter than his experience indicates. Match-up This is a competitive match-up between two young fighters with promise coming from two very different backgrounds. Brown is a rangy, athletic striker coming from a small camp, while Graves is a well-rounded fighter training at one of the top MMA gyms in the world. In this fight, Brown will look to stay at range and utilize his seven inch reach advantage. On the feet, I expect Brown to land more and have the edge. However, Graves has shown real quality in working in takedowns and taking control of this fight over his still quite green opponent. Graves is a crafty fighter for someone with his age and experience. I believe fighting in Florida not too far from his own gym will also give him confidence coming into this bout. In what should be a close contest, I tend to favor the fighter with more weapons and ability to get the result. Look for Michael Graves to get his hand raised in a close decision.
