Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Brazilian Luiz Henrique “Frank Waisten” Jr. as he debuts in the light heavyweight division against American Jonathan Wilson at UFC 199 in Los Angeles, California. Luiz Henrique Frank Waisten Jr. Hometown: Limoeiro, Pernambuco, Brazil Age: 26 Height: 6’0” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Light Heavyweight Camp: Hard Fight MMA Career Record: 10-0 Key Wins: Ildemar Alcantara Key Losses: None Background A professional of less than three years, Waisten has dominated opponents thus far in his career. All ten of his victories have come by way of knockout. Waisten has a background in muay thai and holds a national championship in it at the amateur level. Strengths
- Very good size for the weight class
- Good leg kicks; especially with his right leg
- Has decent power in both his hands and legs
Weaknesses
- Striking defense needs improvement
- Poor cardio
- Terrible takedown defense
- Footwork is a bit awkward
Match-up against Jonathan Wilson This is a match-up between two guys who have a combined 17 pro fights with 16 of them ending by a finish. Both guys have good size for the weight class in what should be a short and exciting contest. The difference between these two is polish. Despite Wilson having less career bouts, his striking and attack is much more refined than his opponent. Wilson has a really good left hand and I expect him to be able to land early in this fight and put Waisten away. UFC Ceiling Frank Waisten has good size for light heavyweight and could have some potential, but he enters the UFC with a very green resume. His one decent win was over Ildemar Alcantara; a fighter who typically fights at welterweight or middleweight. In that fight, Waisten was dominated for much of the bout before landing a fight altering shot which Alcantara was never able to recover from. Waisten needs to prove his conditioning and striking defense if he’s going to have any staying power in the UFC. He’s a fighter who can land and finish, but if forced into a prolonged fight he will really struggle. Fight Film Check out Frank Waisten in some of his most recent fights: Frank Waisten vs. Ildemar Alcantara