It’s time for the fifth instalment of our Blind Reacting series. Throughout this ongoing, MMA prospect-focused series, we take a look at a batch of five standout up-and-comers, going into each blind, having never seen them in action before.
Any of these prospects could be the next big thing, so let’s get started, kicking things off in the bantamweight division.
Bantamweight, Mitch McKee (2-0)
Pros
- Excellent, heavy and active ground and pound
- Times takedown entries well
- Powerful right hand
- Smooth transitions
- Fast starter
Cons
- Suspect gas tank
- Suspect striking defense
McKee is a former standout wrestler and now an undefeated MMA fighter. McKee wrestles for the University of Minnesota and was a four-time NCAA National Qualifier and a two-time All-American. He’s only been training in MMA since July and trains with an excellent team at Sanford MMA.
In both his MMA fights McKee has got the takedowns and got the ground and pound going for the TKO stoppages. His level changes have been on par and wrestling as a whole, there is no concern there. With wrestlers, it’s usually easy to get the fight down but it’s how it goes from there. Of what he’s shown his jiu-jitsu definitely matches. He passes guard quickly and effortlessly and works to improve his position actively.
He’s only fought twice and has basically been in control from start to finish. In his first fight, which went two rounds, there may have been some negatives that stood out. When he was on his feet he looked a bit stiff and squared with his stance. Also after securing a few takedowns it did look like he was a bit winded, or his body language didn’t look good at least. I say that though, and then he blasts his opponent with a right hand and gets the finish shortly after.
You can’t tell how good someone is with just two fights. He may be an outstanding wrestler but as an MMA fighter, it’s up in the air. He definitely has a strong base to be a really good MMA fighter in the future.
