Jordan Leavitt

Jordan Leavitt: The Creative Submission Specialist in the UFC Lightweight Division

Jordan "The Monkey King" Leavitt, born June 2, 1995 in Las Vegas, Nevada, is an American mixed martial artist (MMA) competing in the UFC lightweight division. Leavitt is known for his unorthodox style, creative grappling, and ability to finish fights in surprising ways. He has quickly made a name for himself in the UFC through his unique personality and impressive ground skills.

Early Life and Career

Jordan Leavitt began his MMA career with a strong focus on grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He began wrestling at a young age and eventually found his way into MMA, where he further developed his technical skills. Prior to his UFC career, Leavitt competed in regional promotions such as Gladiator Challenge and Fierce FC, where he built an impressive undefeated record with multiple submission victories.

His strong performances on the regional circuit earned him the opportunity to compete on Dana White's Contender Series, where he could showcase his skills on a larger platform.

Dana White's Contender Series and UFC Career

In August 2020, Jordan Leavitt earned his UFC contract with a dominant submission victory over Luke Flores on Dana White's Contender Series. His impressive performance, which saw him submit his opponent via arm-triangle choke in the first round, cemented his reputation as a submission specialist.

Leavitt made his official UFC debut in December 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Vettori, where he quickly went viral by defeating Matt Wiman via slam knockout in just 22 seconds. The spectacular victory showed that Leavitt is not only a strong grappler, but also someone who can use creative and unexpected techniques to finish fights.

Since his debut, Leavitt has had his fair share of wins and losses, but he remains one of the most interesting and unpredictable fighters in the lightweight division. His most recent win came in August 2022 at UFC Fight Night 202, where he defeated Trey Ogden via split decision, proving his versatility and fighting spirit.

Style and Technique

Jordan Leavitt is known for his creative grappling and his ability to find submissions from unusual positions. He is particularly adept at executing a variety of submissions, including triangle chokes, arm-triangle chokes, and guillotine chokes. Leavitt uses his flexibility and technical acumen to surprise his opponents, making him a constant threat on the ground.

While grappling is his strongest point, Leavitt continues to work on improving his striking to become a more well-rounded fighter. His unorthodox style makes him difficult to predict both on the ground and on the stand, and his unpredictable techniques make him a dangerous challenger in the division.

Future Ambitions

Jordan Leavitt remains focused on his development in the UFC lightweight division. His goal is to continue to refine his grappling and improve his striking so he can continue to compete against top opponents. With his unique style and ability to deliver creative finishes, Leavitt hopes to make his way to the top of the division and establish himself as a serious contender.

Conclusion

Jordan Leavitt is one of the most creative and unpredictable fighters in the UFC lightweight division. His strong grappling skills and unique style make him a constant threat to anyone in the octagon. As he continues to grow and develop his fight game, Leavitt remains a fighter to watch for the future of the division.