UFC 89 Breakdown: The Undercard

Sam Stout vs. Terry Etim

Stout Scouting Report
Height/Weight: 5’9/155 lbs.
Age: 24
Hometown: London, Ontario
Fighting out of: London, Ontario
Record: 13-4-1

The stakes: One of several precocious Team Tompkins products, Stout entered the UFC with a wave of expectations and has fallen flat by losing three of his five fights inside the Octagon. Still every bit the striker he was touted to be, Stout’s overall game lacks depth, and unless he starts showing some growth in that regard, he will quickly find himself back on the Canadian circuit.

The breakdown: Thankfully matched against an opponent who will stand with him, Stout will give up plenty of reach but little else to Etim, as his overall striking game is the more refined of the two. As long as Stout remains wary of the Thai clinch, he should be able to outwork his English counterpart.

Etim Scouting Report
Height/Weight: 6’1/155 lbs.
Age: 22
Hometown: Liverpool, England
Fighting out of: Liverpool, England
Record: 10-2

The stakes: Despite a successful UFC debut, Etim was immediately pegged as a potential short-term UFC acquisition, as he struggled mightily against Matt Grice before landing the guillotine choke that earned him his only UFC victory. Undisciplined striking and lacking takedown defense cost him decisions in subsequent matches with Gleison Tibau and Rich Clementi. More importantly, Etim does not appear to be developing as many had hoped. More often than not, such signs are precursors to a UFC pink slip.

The breakdown: Despite having won the vast majority of his bouts via submission, Etim would much rather stay on his feet, where he can use his long reach and muay Thai instead of having to rely on his still-nascent ground game. Avoiding extended exchanges and controlling the tempo and distance will be keys for Etim, as Stout would love for this bout to turn into a slugfest.


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The bottom line: In a cruel bit of irony, Etim finally gets an opponent who will not take him down but likely has his number standing. Stout has the striking pedigree to avoid Etim’s long-range volleys and, once inside the pocket, has the edge in both speed and power. As the match wears on Etim, expect Stout to seize the initiative and put his young foe to sleep late in the second round.