Jordan Leavitt

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

Jordan "The Monkey King" Leavitt, born on 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 his ability to finish fights in surprising ways. He 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 started wrestling at a young age and eventually found his way into MMA, where he further developed his technical skills. Before his UFC career, Leavitt fought 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 participate in Dana White's Contender Series, where he could showcase his skills on a bigger platform.

Dana White's Contender Series and UFC Career

In August 2020, Jordan Leavitt earned his UFC contract by securing a dominant submission victory over Luke Flores during Dana White's Contender Series. His impressive performance, where he defeated his opponent with an arm-triangle choke in the first round, confirmed 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. This spectacular win 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 experienced both wins and losses, but he remains one of the most interesting and unpredictable fighters in the lightweight division. His most recent victory 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 skilled at executing various submissions, such as triangle chokes, arm-triangle chokes, and guillotine chokes. Leavitt uses his flexibility and technical insight to surprise his opponents, making him a constant threat on the ground.

Although grappling is his strongest point, Leavitt continues to work on improving his striking to become a more complete fighter. His unorthodox style makes him difficult to predict, both standing and on the ground, and his unpredictable techniques ensure he remains a dangerous contender in the division.

Future Ambitions

Jordan Leavitt remains focused on his development in the UFC lightweight division. His goal is to further refine his grappling and continue improving his striking so he can keep competing against top opponents. With his unique style and ability to deliver creative finishes, Leavitt hopes to find 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 further develop his fighting game, Leavitt remains a fighter to watch in the future of the division.