Introduction
Friday, October 23rd, American middleweight prospect Jake Woodley will be in action for the LFA, where he will be looking continue his winning ways against Zayne Havener. He will be looking for another win, as Woodley looks to inch close to a UFC contract. He represents Team Body Shop, a smaller camp in MMA. Let’s take a closer look at this prospect as this week’s “Prospect Spotlight.”
Strengths
Wrestling: Woodley has a wrestling background and it shows in his fights. He is very powerful and athletic, showing great explosiveness in looking for the takedowns. Once on the mat, he shows great top control that he combines with heavy ground-and-pound. He does have some solid submissions in his bag as well, so he’s al all-around threat on the mat, especially when training under a guy like Antonio McKee.
Power Punching: On the feet, Woodley is a threat for the pure basis that he is athletic, but he combines that with brutal stopping power on the feet. His most recent knockout was terrifying, as he one-punch KO’d David Wright in just four seconds. It was a ham-hocker of a right overhand that landed clean and curled Wright’s toes. It’s just another wrinkle to Woodley’s game that makes him dangerous.
Needs Improvement
Leaves Neck Out On Takedown Attempts: The one thing I have noticed is that Woodley sometimes leaves his neck out on takedown attempts, which gives his opponents the ability to secure a choke. It happened in his one loss and I have still noticed it happen on occasion in other fights. Guys at the next level, especially wrestlers and jiu-jitsu guys, will notice that and take advantage.
Outlook
UFC Prelim Fighter: I think Woodley is a guy that’s a win or two away from making the UFC. The UFC loves bringing middleweight to their roster and Woodley is not only a great natural athlete with a strong wrestling acumen, but big knockout power. Dana White loves guys with that kind of stopping power. I think he has a ceiling, but there are certainly winnable fights for Woodley.
