We've been helping Brandon Melendez get ready for his upcoming fight against Jordan Smith. Recently Smith was the unfortunate recipient of a brutal KO during his attempt to get onto the TUF 11 cast, but don't let that fool you. He's a very capable and dangerous opponent.
Help us do some tape review and tell us what types of openings you think we could exploit!
4:22 am
Post Leader
July 9, 2009
OfflineHe looks very good on the ground, It looks like his strongest point to me. Almost immediatley as it goes to the ground he has his hooks sunk in and he had no trouble securing the rear naked. I'd try to keep the fight standing to sway the advantage in your favour. His boxing looks a little wild at times and sloppy but he knows how to generate the power. His real weakness looks to be his muay thai and defence. When he throws kicks there is NEVER a hand to guard the head his hands remain at waist height or slightly above. I'd be baiting him to throw body kicks and coutering with a hook to the head.
About 10 seconds in he is almost taken off his feet from the leg kick, his stance can be very wide at times. I'd capitalise with low kicks to his inner/outer shin just above the ankle then follow up with strikes.
When he gets into the clinch and has to move his feet come very close together. It's not clear on the video but it looks as if he's coming close to crossing his feet.
His guard is very low through most of that fight. I remember there used to be a Thai boxer who fought out of my gym who used to fight that way as well. I once said to him that he better keep his hands up cos he might get KO'd. He told me that he could take a hundred punches to the face and stay standing but one bodyshot would finish him. I'd maybe try a few bodyshots as well.
Obviously fighting out of a southpaw stance he doesn't use his jab to his full advantage. He pulls it back using it as a distraction rather than the useful weapon it is. He often fakes the right jab then leads with the straight left. As he finishes he turns his head slightly exposig his jaw. A straight right could give him real trouble.
Best of luck in the fight. I'd like to hear what the others come up with. Hope what I wrote doesnt sound too stupid haha.
This should be a good fight. Jordan Smith is a tough kid with a lot of wins. Most recent victory over BJJ blackbelt Gustavo "Ximu" Machado.
I remember Jordan Smith doing ok in his TUF match against Tavares, until he got caught with a knee while separating from clinch.
I agree w/ Naturalbornfighter that Muay Thai might be Smith's weakest area. Smith is a wrestler and not expecting the combo off the clinch break.
Also recently Smith beat a former TUF competitor from an earlier season, Nick Rossborough. (on side note coaches Brian & Brandon cornered a fighter to victory against Rossborough for Ultimate Combat Experience belt years ago)
About 2:25 into highlight vid below, you can see a few glimpses of the exchanges & the KO.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v…..V-YTN7tBYw
Smith was really busy brawling. Not very technical on the exchanges. Looks like either one of the fighters could've one depending on who landed first.
2:38 am
Post Leader
July 9, 2009
OfflineHats off to Brandon for his gutsy performance last night. Brandon delivered a great main event last night, being dropped momentarily in the first few seconds of the fight, then battling back and dominating the action for the following 3 – 4 minutes. Brandon executed our game plan to the T with angles and leg kicks, pressing his advantages and scoring 3 takedowns and numerous heavy blows. Brandon consistently stunned Jordan with his boxing until late in the first when he attempted a high kick and lost his footing.
Jordan pounced on the opportunity scoring an effective punching combination and forcing Brandon to take another shot to avoid continued punishment. Jordan was able to secure a guardless guillotine and force the resulting tap, defeating Brandon for the victory.
Congratulations go out to Jordan for his win. And praise to Brandon for showing poise and grace in defeat.
4:31 pm
Post Leader
July 9, 2009
OfflineMost Users Ever Online: 69
Currently Online:
14 Guest(s)
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Top Posters:
naturalbornfighter1: 673
wylothar: 260
Dickey: 207
bio-chem: 173
TCMAG: 118
rob davis: 110
anointed fighter: 96
brian d: 95
Fear is the MindKiller: 94
zaxonortesus: 88
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 0
Members: 3031
Moderators: 1
Admins: 2
Forum Stats:
Groups: 1
Forums: 4
Topics: 604
Posts: 4070
Newest Members: johannes tangen, joffrebolda, stephen bullough, Ragib Karamehemdovic, kabuto68, iadapt
Moderators: Dr Sick (1164)
Administrators: admin (14), simplepress (0)
Log In
Register
Home




All RSS