UFC 277 this Saturday is topped off with two title fights, including the rematch between Julianna Pena and Amanda Nunes, plus an interim flyweight title fight between ex-champ Brandon Moreno and Kai Kara-France. Under those two championship bouts, there are some important fights on the main card in the light heavyweight, heavyweight, and flyweight divisions. The prelims on the card were shaken up a few times, and at welterweight, Michael Morales was supposed to fight Ramiz Brahimaj. That’s not happening, and instead Morales is welcoming newcomer Adam Fugitt to the UFC.
Adam Fugitt
Standing at 6’1″
Fighting at 170 lbs (welterweight)
33-years-old
Fighting out of Eugene, Oregon, US
Training out of Art of War MMA & Fitness
A pro record of 8-2
4 KO/TKOs, 3 Submissions
How will Fugitt fare in the UFC:
Fugitt is getting this opportunity after knocking out Contender Series veteran Solomon Renfro. Knocking out Renfro is no joke so the signing is understandable. Fugitt wrestled in high school and in a community college with a background in kickboxing and muay thai as well.
With his background across all disciplines, Fugitt is a better wrestler than anything else. He’s talented at closing the distance getting a snap down and taking the back. On top he’s good at using his leverage in dominant positions to work on finishing the fight. Fugitt has active ground and pound and has a variety of submission attempts. However when it comes to classic wrestling skills Fugitt isn’t great. He’s too stiff and relies on taking the back door and dumping opponents on the mat.
On the feet Fugitt is comfortable. He throws good kicks even though he hardly changes up his patterns. His hands are decent and he does a good job blending them behind his kicks. There are some concerns though. Fugitt telegraphs his offense and defensively his hands are low and his chin is high. He’s been knocked out before and honestly, it’s bound to happen again unless he shores things up. I like Fugitt and I think he is currently borderline UFC level. I believe he can beat a few foes at the bottom of the roster but will never make any waves higher up.
How he matches up with Morales:
There is an opening in this fight for Fugitt, as the takedown defense for Morales is still in question. Morales is still raw but with just a lot of upside. He’s going to be faster and more athletic compared to Fugitt. Fugitt is there to be hit and Morales finished Giles last fight so I’m sure he can catch Fugitt. I do think Fugitt has a shot in this fight but Morales has the tools to make this one a one-sided fight.
