Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Brazilian Luan Chagas as he debuts against jiu jitsu ace Sergio Moraes at UFC 198 in Curitiba, Brazil. Luan “Tarzan” Chagas Hometown: Navirai, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil Age: 22 Height: 6’0” Reach: 75” Weight Class: Welterweight Camp: Gile Ribeiro Team Career Record: 14-1 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background The BJJ and karate black belt has only been fighting professionally since 2012. He enters the world’s largest MMA promotion on the back of a nine fight winning streak. All of his career wins have been by stoppage. Strengths
- Decent pop in his hands when he’s able to connect
- Good leg kicks particularly to the lower body of his opponent
- Solid grappler; both from top control and off his back
- Dangerous in guard wrapping up armbars and triangle chokes
Weaknesses
- Boxing needs work
- Tendency to rush in to close distance doing so with hands low
- Poor takedown defense
- Low level of competition
- Taking fight on short notice
Matchup with Sergio Moraes An all Brazilian matchup which pairs two fighters who excel at the ground game in Luan Chagas and Sergio Moraes. Chagas has a decent kicking game and could potentially steal rounds in a prolonged stand up exchange. He’s the longer fighter and could certainly be competitive in a range fight. Moraes is a veteran fighter having faced much higher level of competition in his MMA career including a huge scalp over top ten welterweight Neil Magny. Chagas is no slouch on the ground showing he’s capable both from top control and in the guard, however Moraes is one of the best in the sport in a grappling contest. He’s a world champion in jiu jitsu with so much variety. Any attempt to go to the ground would be a big mistake for Chagas. In a 15 minute contest, it’s very unlikely this fight stays on the feet. Chagas has shown a tendency to attempt takedowns in all of his fights, plus his takedown defense is very poor. On the ground, the older Moraes will give Chagas a lesson in submission grappling. This is too much, too soon for the young Brazilian. Look for Moraes to get the submission win and his fifth win in a row inside the octagon. UFC Ceiling Luan Chagas is a very young fighter at just 22 years old. He’s shown flashes on the feet and appears to have a well-rounded ground game. His competition level has been poor and the fight camp he has been training at has produced no UFC level fighters. There’s going to be a learning curve for him when fighting in the UFC. There are certainly bright spots to his game, but his takedown defense is porous and his tendency to rush in on the feet with his hands down are recipes for disaster. He’s a fighter that I can see getting two fights in the UFC, being cut, and then getting another shot in the organization with some more experience. Fight Film Check out Luan Chagas in some of his most recent fights: Luan Chagas vs. Edvaldo Gameth Luan Chagas vs. Julio Cesar Merenda Luan Chagas vs. Allan Simon