Themba Gorimbo will make his UFC debut against AJ Fletcher this weekend. The bout takes place in the prelims of UFC Vegas 69. It will also be the second bout of the night. The welterweight contest is scheduled for 3 rounds. Although there isn’t a top-ranking spot or a title shot at stake, the fighters will give it their all to earn the first UFC wins of their respective careers.
AJ Fletcher is a former Dana White‘s Contender Series fighter. He demolished Leonardo Damiani via a flying knee to earn a UFC contract. Since then, however, Fletcher is yet to win a single fight. He has fought twice in the Octagon against Matthew Semelsberger and Ange Loosa respectively. However, Fletcher lost both fights via unanimous decisions.
Pesos wélter van con todo por la victoria💥 #UFCVegas69
AJ "The Ghost" Fletcher vs @TheAnswerMMA pic.twitter.com/p7tkxr87jv
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) February 17, 2023
Themba Gorimbo, on the other hand, has won 4 out of his last 5 fights. In his last fight before joining the UFC, Themba beat Julio Rafael Rodrigues via decision in June 2022. However, he lost to Handesson Ferreira in the bout prior to that. He is a great submission artist out of South Africa. He would like to make the same impression that his fellow countryman Dricus du Plessis did in the UFC.
UFC Vegas 69: AJ Fletcher vs Themba Gorimbo, Stats
Stats | AJ Fletcher | Themba Gorimbo |
---|---|---|
Wins | 9 | 10 |
Losses | 2 | 3 |
Height | 1.78 m | 1.85 m |
Division | Welterweight | Welterweight |
Reach | 170.2 cm | 195.6 cm |
Age | 25 | 32 |
Fletcher vs Gorimbo: Fight Breakdown
AJ Fletcher had a lot of hype behind him before joining the UFC. He was an undefeated prospect with a record of 9-0. However, he has been unable to translate his form to the main roster. That is evident by his stats inside the Octagon. He was out-struck in both of his main roster fights in the promotion. As per UFC stats, Fletcher only lands about 4.04 strikes per minute and absorbs 5.34 strikes at the same time.
It will be mine one day. #MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/IhqlPICf33
— Themba T L Gorimbo (@TheAnswerMMA) January 31, 2023
Although he has landed 4 takedowns in the UFC so far, Fletcher only has a takedown accuracy of 41%. AJ was also taken down 3 times in 2 fights in the UFC. If he has to avoid a third successive defeat, AJ will have to avoid engaging in grappling exchanges with Themba Gorimbo. As evidenced by his 6 submission wins, Themba is not to be taken lightly.
But Fletcher himself has 4 submissions wins, along with 4 KO wins to his name. However, his striking will be the better weapon against Themba Gorimbo. Gorimbo’s solitary TKO win was in 2019. Since then he has finished only one of his fighters, and that too via submission. Although AJ Fletcher will be a threat on the feet, Themba’s long limbs may help him get an early takedown and get a submission win on his debut.