Former Cage Warriors champ Jordan Vucenic is set to make his UFC debut this weekend, taking on Guram Kutateladze. Vecenic gets to bypass TUF and the Contender Series here, but he is stepping into the bout on short notice.
Jordan “The Epidemic” Vecenic
Standing at five-foot-nine
Fighting at 155 lbs (lightweight)
28-years-old
Fighting out of England
Training out of Blood Sweat and Tears
A pro record of 13-2
2 KO/TKOs, 6 Submissions
How Vucenic will fare in the UFC:
This is a quality signing from the UFC in Cage Warriors veteran Jordan Vucenic. Lately, Vucenic has been getting favorable fights but he’s fought good fighters more times than not. Vucenic has wins over good regional guys like Shoaib Yousaf, James Hendin, and Tiziano Ferranti. Vucenic is the only one to beat Paul Hughes as a pro and also has a win over current UFC fighter Morgan Charriere. Vucenic’s only loss in six years was to Hughes in a rematch where they took turns holding the Cage Warriors featherweight title.
Boxing: B-
Jab: B-
Feints: C+
Knockout power: F
Head movement: C
Counter striking: D
Volume: B-
Combinations: C+
Kickboxing: B-
Bodywork: D+
Explosiveness: C
Athleticism: B-
Footwork: B-
Clinch: B-
Stand-up: B-
Vucenic has a traditional Muay Thai style on the feet that brings a high guard and chops at the lead leg. He also throws a good jab and will double up on it then follow up with a cross or straight. He does tend to fall into the role of more of a basic striker that’s throwing the same thing back-to-back. I don’t question his durability but his striking defense lacks. Vucenic shows head movement when he’s throwing but when his opponent goes first he gets hit. Vucenic has glimpses of good technique but he goes off the volume and attacks the head and low calf kicks. He lacks the power to be considered a big threat on the feet and defensively he’s going to struggle.
Wrestling: B
Takedown entry/timing: B
Chain-wrestling: B-
Top Control: C
Transitions: C+
Ground and Pound: B
Submission attack: B+
Takedown defense: C
Grappling defense: A-
Ground game: B
The best thing about Vucenic is he can mix it up everywhere. I do think he’s slightly a better wrestler/grappler than a striker. In his last five wins, Vucenic has won each by submission. To open up the submission I’d give credit to his ground and pound and mat returns.
Still, he isn’t the most complete grappler. His top control lacks and that hurts when he’s trying to transition. His wrestling on the other hand has been getting better. He’s timing his takedown entries off punches/kicks. Vucenic will work from the upper body locks, drop to the hip, and get takedowns from there. Not great in one specific area but can threaten from anywhere.
Speed: B
Strength: B-
Cardio: B+
Fight IQ: A
Overall: B-
Vucenic sits on the line of a top 20-25 fighter in his weightclass. He’s well-rounded with good cardio and a lot of physical traits. He’s just missing a step or two steps to be a legit up-and-comer. Missing a step on the feet because his striking defense needs to be better but also the lack of power in his hands. A good wrestler but needs the position control to be legitimate. What helps him though is he has a good enough gas tank to eventually break opponents and they give up their neck.
How he matches up with Kutateladze
I am picking Guram Kutateladze but I’m not counting out Vucenic. On the favorite, Kutateladze is on another level. Outside of durability, Kutateladze should find a lot of success. Plus, Vucenic doesn’t have the power to wear on Kutateladze. Vucenic struggles with guys that go first and Kutateladze will do that with attacks from all angles.
Vucenic will have to wrestle Kutateladze but Mateusz Gamrot couldn’t even keep Kutateladze down. I actually would pick Vucenic in a five-round fight but not three rounds. Kutateladze slows but to guys that could push a heavy pace. Not saying Vucenic can’t push a pace but he can’t do it for three rounds as much as he can five. I like Kutateladze by decision, and to land the most impactful shots.
