Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Jason Knight as he takes on Japanese veteran Tatsuya Kawajiri at the TUF 22 Finale in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jason “The Kid” Knight Hometown: Jackson, Mississippi Age: 23 Height: 5’11” Reach: 71.5” Weight Class: Featherweight Camp: Alan Belcher’s MMA Club Career Record: 14-1 Key Wins: Musa Khamanaev Key Losses: None Background The Mississippi born fighter began training in MMA at just 13 years of age. He’s been training under the tutelage of MMA standout Alan Belcher. For his age, Knight has quite a bit of experience including a win over solid Russian prospect Musa Khamanaev in Titan. Strengths
- Fights with aggression
- Decent pop in his hands
- Has a solid double leg
- Excellent rubber guard
- Very dangerous with submissions off his back
Weaknesses
- Too hittable on the feet
- Questionable chin
- Poor takedown defense
- Too willing to fight off his back
Match-up with Tatsuya Kawajiri This is a straightforward match-up to breakdown. On the feet, Kawajiri is the more technical, stronger fighter, but expect the majority of this fight to take place on the ground. Kawajiri is a really strong offensive wrestler who will have little to no trouble scoring takedowns on the American. On the flip side, Knight is most dangerous in the grappling exchanges and specifically off his back. Knight will certainly look to threaten with submissions from his rubber guard. Kawajiri is the type of grappler who likes to sit low in top control and likely avoids much of Knight’s submission attempts. Knight’s only method to victory is by submission, but if he’s not able to secure one, Kawajiri will likely win by decision. UFC Ceiling Jason Knight has been fighting professionally since he was 16 years old. While he’s not at one of MMA’s top camps, he does train under long time MMA fighter Alan Belcher. Knight needs a lot of work in his standup in order to be competitive at the UFC level. His head movement and strike defense will keep him in danger in most UFC fights. His ability on the ground is what will give him opportunities to win fights in the UFC. He will be able to threaten with submissions against most fighters in the organization. His game is reminiscent of Ben Saunders; struggle on the feet, but excel on the ground. If he gets the right fights, he can win a couple fights in the organization. Striking will need to improve to make any real waves. Fight Film Check out Jason Knight in one of his most recent fights: Jason Knight vs. Michael Roberts