4 new fighters at UFC Vegas 11

4 new fighters at UFC Vegas 11

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Tyron Woodley vs Colby Covington runs as the headliner at UFC Vegas 11

As jam packed as the fight card of UFC Vegas 11 is, there are some new fighters as well heading in the octagon. On this edition of “New Blood,” the series where there’s never enough tape, we check out a trio of “Contender Series” veterans and a last-minute Welterweight finisher. 

Sarah Alpar 

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She was originally slated to debut in May before COVID interfered. Alpar put an end to Joselyn Edwards’ 7-fight win streak to secure the LFA Bantamweight title. Eventually setting up a “Contender Series” bout against Shanna Young. After a competitive initial round, Alpar wrangled Young to the mat and put her out with a rear-naked choke. 

Alpar relied on heavy pressure earlier in her career, winging her shots to the head and body while landing low kicks on the regular. But being only 5’4, Alpar does have the disadvantage of height and reach compared to other fighters in her division. 

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T.J. Laramie 

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Also known as ‘The Truth’ inside the octagon, Laramie is known for his grappling abilities. Having won 7 wins via TKO and 3 via submission out of his 12 in professional MMA. Laramie achieved noteworthy success in wrestling, kickboxing and jiu-jitsu at a young age and his current MMA game reflects that pedigree. His jabs, crosses and switch kicks are his strongest weapons on the feet. Crisp one-two combinations and one-one-two combinations comprise the majority of his striking offense. 

Knowing how rare truly dangerous ground and pound is these days, it is impressive to see a young man bringing back the classics. 

Jerome Rivera 

One of the most known newbies in the entire UFC roaster. Having won his 7 fights out of 10 via submission. Rivera kicks off the action at UFC Vegas 11 against Tyson Nam. Despite rough losses to future UFC competitors Roberto Sanchez and Brandon Royval, Rivera got back in the LFA win column this past January by tapping Kendrick Latchman. 

His strength is stiff jabs and crosses, leg kicks, and a regular diet of front kicks at range, knees from the Thai clinch inside. He blends the two quite well, transitioning immediately from punching flurries into the plum. While he does tend to be a little too linear and keep his hands low, opening him up to counters. He’s also extremely good at using his combinations to disguise takedown attempts. 

Jeremiah Wells 

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He accepted this fight on a less than 5-day notice against Mickey Gall. Wella was predicted to be one of the top shots of UFC one day. Wells claimed the CES Welterweight title in 2018 with a decision over Jason Norwood, only to lose it to Vinicius de Jesus in his first defence. Wells then returned to Cage Fury, where he scored a 22-second knockout before tapping Marco Smallman for the promotion’s Welterweight belt. 

He has both willing to commit to a heavy blitz or sit back and counter. Wells has also got some speed and power. But his stand up is sorely underdeveloped. Boasting an impressive 75-inch reach, Wells is all about rapid bursts of violence and which could be one of the key factors in getting him a victory at UFC Vegas 11. 

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