Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at heavyweight Adam Milstead as he debuts against Chris De La Rocha at UFC Fight Night 88 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Adam “The Prototype” Milstead Hometown: Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania Age: 28 Height: 6’3” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Heavyweight Camp: Cherico Martial Arts & Fitness Academy Career Record: 7-1 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background A collegiate football at Geneva College, Millstead made the move to MMA after his football days were over. He’s been fighting professionally since 2011. All seven of his career wins have come inside the distance. Strengths
- Good athlete
- Fights with confidence
- Willing to stand and trade in front of opponent
- Heavy overhand right
Weaknesses
- Way undersized for heavyweight
- Has fought at light heavyweight the majority of his career
- Level of competition a question mark
- Submission game a complete unknown
Match-up against Chris de la Rocha In a matchup of two American heavyweights, we’re looking at relative newcomers to the octagon with a combined one fight between them in the UFC. De La Rocha will be the much bigger fighter on fight day as he walks around north of 250 pounds while Milstead has mainly fought at light heavyweight in his young career. The youth factor is significant in this one as Milstead is 8 years younger than his opponent. De la Rocha is new to the UFC, but is certainly towards the end of his fighting career, while Milstead is just hitting his stride. This fight comes down to two things: athleticism and durability. Milstead is much more fluid with his movement and appears to be much more durable than his opponent. De La Rocha had all sorts of trouble in his last outing and this his first fight since being knocked out. Even though Milstead is undersized, I expect him to be the first to land in this bout and get a finish; perhaps in the first round. UFC Ceiling Adam Milstead certainly has some offensive tools that could see him have success in the UFC. He’s willing and able to stand in the pocket. He’s also one of the better athletes in the division. His problem as he progresses in the organization is size. He’s capable of getting some wins against the lowest level of UFC heavyweights, but he will struggle when forced to face fighters 40 to 50 pounds heavier than he is. When he’s not just able to stand and trade with opponents, we will see what kind of fighter he is. Ultimately, I think he can move down to light heavyweight and have a decent level of success. Fight Film Check out Adam Milstead in some of his most recent fights: Adam Milstead vs. Bobby Burley Adam Milstead vs. Lewis Rumsey