Andre Galvao (right): Jeff Sherwood | Sherdog.com
Standout collegiate wrestler Woodley and elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor Galvao make for the perfect case study on how converts to MMA translate their preexisting skills to the sport. While Woodley’s takedowns and top control have transmuted into the backbone of a consistently impressive run, Galvao’s grappling pedigree has run hot and cold in the cage.
At this point in their respective careers, Woodley is the better striker and wrestler and has shown a far more instinctive understanding of how to apply Brazilian jiu-jitsu to MMA. This isn’t to say that Galvao isn’t an absolutely brilliant grappler, but his skills have yet to hit the right note in his new profession.
Galvao will be forced to work predominantly off his back, which doesn’t play to his strengths as a top-control oriented fighter. Beyond that, his nascent striking game makes for an obvious weakness that Woodley can readily exploit. His fundamentals have a long way to go, but the University of Missouri alumnus has power in his hands and he has shown flashes of legitimate boxing skill. Anyone who can stand in the pocket and use a proper bob and weave to set up punches is clearly listening during sparring.
Those flashes of next-level ability and versatility have been sparse in Galvao’s matches thus far. This question doesn’t apply to Woodley, and that’s why he’ll win this “battle of the prospects.”