James Wallace vs. Joe Solecki
Wallace is a Legacy Fighting Allianceveteran with a 9-2 record, with all of his wins coming before the judge’s decision. The Mississippi native had an extensive amateur career with an impressive 16-4 record, where he captured five titles in two different weight classes.
The American Top Team product is a high-volume striker, who lacks power as most of his strikes are “arm punches”. He is a bit flat footed and lacks defense. He makes himself competitive in the striking exchanges by his insane ability to absorb damage.
“Jesse James” is a submission specialist. Seven of his wins have come by way of submission. The 26-year-old isn’t a very strong wrestler but is willing to pull guard to get his opponent to the canvas. Off his back, Wallace is strong at attacking with triangles and armbars or simply sweeping his opponent to their back. Once on top, he batters his foe with fierce ground-and-pound.
Solecki is a CFFC veteran, who flaunts an 7-2 record, with six of his wins coming by way of submission. The 25-year-old fighter’s two losses comes at the hands of “Ultimate Fighter Brazil” Season 4 alumnus Nikolas Motta and highly regarded prospect Cesar Balmaceda.
The North Carolina native is a serviceable striker. He prefers to counter strike, using stance switches and feints to draw out his opponent’s attacks. He throws a basic 1-2 combination with his best strike being his kicks to the body. His striking technique is improving but the youngster lacks true fight ending power.
Solecki’s world is the ground. He has been training Brazilian jiu-jitsu since he was six years old and has been regarded as one of the best grapplers on the American circuit. He has a powerful double-leg and is great in a scramble. His flexibility allows him to attack with submissions in practically every position.
This fight clearly favors Solecki. He is better than Wallace in every position. To make matters worse, Wallace’s biggest strength, his grappling, is levels below Solecki’s. I expect the North Carolina-born fighter to quickly take Wallace to the canvas. After a brief scramble, I see Solecki locking in a submission forcing the tapout. The quick submission win earns Solecki a roster spot in the UFC.