Blind Reacting to MMA Prospects Vol. 17 (Patreon)

Lightweight, Lucas Caldas (3-0)

Pros

• Cuts the cage off well

• Good teep to the body

• Steady pressure

• Combination striking

• Good bodywork

• Excellent shot-placement

• Chopping leg kicks

• Good jab

• Clean check right hook

• Good Muay Thai

• Quick hands

Cons

• Sits in the pocket too long

• Questionable chin

People talk about how Russia is loaded with talent but Brazil I believe is the most talent-filled country. It's easy to have these prospects slip through the cracks. Lucas Caldas is just 3-0 and came from some sort of Kickboxing/Muay Thai background. In his second fight he took out Ricardo Lima Jr. who I think is really good so that's a legit win.

Caldas is the type of strike I enjoy watching. Gonna be tough for this go to ever go the scorecards because he gets right after it and stays after it. He's a Muay Thai fighter so he likes to fight in the pocket. It's worked out great for him but he also puts himself in danger. In his last two fights, he's been rocked. Even though he hasn't gone down and he recovered quick it's still a concern with his style of fighting. Caldas is actively throwing output/combinations attacking from both sides while blending in the elbows and knees. He's also good with leg kicks and has an excellent jab. He'll do a great job of doubling up on the jab and come over the top with a right hand. He often switches stances being able to fight from both stances. Fighting Caldas you have to use a lot of lateral footwork. If you let him pin you against the cage he's gonna rapid-fire combinations to the head and body and it's gonna come from everywhere.

I can't comment on his ground game because he hasn't been there. The only time he's been there is following up on ground and pound after dropping his opponent. He's defended every takedown so far so he at least has basic defensive skills. Excited to see more of Caldas. He's definitely on my radar now.