Introduction
Saturday, March 4th, French welterweight prospect Cedric Doumbe will be in action for MMA Grand Prix, where he will be looking continue his winning ways against Pawel Klimas. He will be looking for another win, as Doumbe looks to inch closer to a contract with the UFC. He represents Atlantide Boxe 87, a striker’s gym in MMA. Let’s take a closer look at this prospect as this week’s “Prospect Spotlight.”
Strengths
Kickboxing: Anyone who knows Doumbe knows it’s obvious what his biggest strength is, as he is a former Glory World Welterweight Champion. Doumbe is a very gifted striker. His boxing is outstanding, as he has quick hands and big-time power in those hands. 45 of his 75 pro kickboxing wins came by way of knockout, as are all three of his MMA fights. He has powerful low kicks as well, which he incorporates nicely when putting combinations together. He has excellent movement and feints that set up his strikes as well. There are few, if any, at 170 in MMA who will be a better striker than Doumbe.
Athleticism: In terms of natural athleticism, Doumbe is top-notch. He has a combination speed, power, athleticism, explosiveness and agility. All those things considered make him even tougher to deal with in the cage. Like Israel Adesanya who comes from a kickboxing background, Doumbe may use Adesanya’s ascent in MMA as a blueprint for his own.
Needs Improvement
Grappling Questions: Doumbe does not have an extensive grappling background, so if a fight hits the mat with him on the defensive, he could be in trouble. Luckily, he is athletic and quick when fighting in-and-out, so he will be hard to get a hold of. However, as he moves up in competition level, his wrestling and grappling will be tested. That could be his downfall until he gets more experience on the mat.
Outlook
UFC Top-25: As mentioned, I think he will use Adesanya’s ascent as the blueprint for how he fights and moves up the MMA ladder. His striking will be unmatched by anyone he steps in the cage with. His one-punch knockout ability will always be a threat when he fights. The UFC obviously is already keeping their eye on him, as he was reported to be signed by the UFC last year until the French MMA commission axed his proposed UFC fight due to his lack of MMA experience. I think Doumbe wins his next fight and potentially fights with the UFC this year, where he makes a strong run in the welterweight division. The one tough thing is that 170 is infested with wrestlers that will be a tough matchup for Doumbe.
MMA Intel 