Joe Merritt

Slash

Weight Class Welterweight

Promotion UFC

Record 6-1-0

Height 6'1"

DOB 3/7/1984

Joe Merritt: Loses UFC Debut On Satuday

WelterweightUFC

June 27, 2015

Merritt lost to Alex Oliveira by unanimous decision (27-30, 27-30, 27-30) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Hollywood, Florida.

ANALYSIS
Merritt survived 15 minutes in this fight because he's a great athlete. He played college football at Louisiana-Monroe and his elite athleticism was on full display Saturday. He isn't a refined MMA artist (which isn't a surprise since he has just seven professional fights under his belt), but he has the kind of natural ability that you need to be a top fighter in this sport. Merritt also was a little bit gassed by the time the bout was over. Merritt is 31-years-old, so time isn't on his size, but a fighter who has the natural athletic skills of Merritt will always give himself a chance.