Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at lightweight Callan Potter as he makes his UFC debut against talented striker Jalin Turner at UFC 234 in Melbourne, Australia.
Callan Potter
Hometown: Riddells Creek, Australia
Age: 34
Height: 6’1”
Reach:
Weight Class: Lightweight
Camp: Renegade MMA
Career Record: 17-7
Key Wins: None
Key Losses: Marcin Held
Background
The Australian lightweight has won nine of his last ten bouts dating back to 2015. His lone loss was to former Bellator and UFC submission specialist Marcin Held.
Strengths
- Uses body well to push opponents toward the cage
- Nice trip take down technique
- Good control when he can get an opponent to the mat
Weaknesses
- Lacks speed of UFC caliber lightweights
- Slow and plodding on the feet
- Poor striking defense
- Leaves body open to be hit by switch kicks
Fighter Grade
Offensive Striking: D
Striking Defense: D-
Knockout Power: D
Athleticism / Speed: F
Footwork: D-
Chin: C-
Offensive Wrestling: C-
Takedown Defense: D
Submissions: D+
Conditioning: D+
Intangibles: D-
Overall Grade: D-
Matchup with Jalin Turner
Jalin Turner heads to Australia to welcome Callan Potter to the UFC. There is a vast difference in athleticism in this bout. Turner is much longer, creative, and dynamic on the feet. This is a bad matchup for the debutant as he’s much slower on the feet and he will be picked apart by the dynamic striker. Potter will need to push Turner against the cage and keep him from dictating the fight if he’s going to have a chance in this bout. Given Turner’s speed and movement in the cage, I just don’t see that happening. Look for Turner to dominate this bout from the onset and earn a stoppage finish. Turner by KO (-149) is the most likely result, but at juiced odds is not one I’ll be playing as there are better bets on this fight card as Turner is still rather unproven in the UFC.
UFC Ceiling
Callan Potter has done well to go on a nice run of form to earn an opportunity to fight in the UFC, but he doesn’t have the athleticism or the technical skills to contend in the lightweight division.
Fight Film
Check out Callan Potter in some of his most recent fights:
Callan Potter vs. BJ Bland
Callan Potter vs. Isaac Tisdell
