In an intriguing heavyweight clash, BJJ phenomenon Jon Olaf Einemo faces Dave ‘Pee Wee’ Herman as both journeyed warriors are set to finally make their octagon debuts.
The two fighters were originally due to face different opponents with Einemo scheduled to take on former heavyweight title contender Shane Carwin. However, with Brock Lesnar’s much publicized health problems, Carwin was propelled to the top of the card and will now face Junior Dos Santos in the main event instead. This left the Norwegian without an opponent and so Herman stepped in as a replacement. Though Einemo’s preparations may have been disrupted, his adversary has now seen his scheduled fight change three times after first being matched with Rob Broughton and then Joey Beltran. Both men will be relieved to have their opponents finalized particularly with the added pressure of making their first Octagon appearances in what Dana White often refers to as the ‘UFC jitters’.
Though neither man is a household name to the UFC fans, their records are somewhat deceptive. Einemo has largely fought his altogether brief MMA career in Europe, but is more widely known for his BJJ exploits after being crowned ADCC Submission Wrestling World Champion in 2003, and being the only man to defeat famed grappler and Strikeforce light heavyweight Roger Gracie in the process. While his focus has remained firmly in the world of submission fighting, his MMA career has been, while granted short, largely successful with only one loss by decision to fellow Ju Jitsu standout and current linear heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum. Since that defeat he has only fought once in MMA competition, overcoming veteran James Thompson via arm bar in Rotterdam, Holland.
Herman may only be twenty six years of age but the Indiana native has remained very active since making his MMA debut in 2006, ironically the same year that Einemo last fought. He boasts numerous victories in organizations such as Bellator, Sengoku, and the now defunct Elite XC but with fights against opponents such as Jeff Monson failing to materialize his record remains light of credible names. ‘Pee Wee’ is known for his aggressive and at times unorthodox striking, and the consistent ability to finish fights decisively, with only his latest contest going the distance and fourteen of his twenty wins coming by way of knockout. After being released from his Sengoku contract he will be hoping to make a more impressive start to his UFC career than the promotion’s former middleweight champion Jorge Santiago did recently.
Having not fought an MMA bout in almost five years, and being such a decorated grappler it does not take a genius to work out what Einemo’s approach will be. Look for the Norwegian behemoth to waste little time in using his strikes as purely a means to an end while attempting to tie up his dangerous foe and take it to the ground early where he should have the decided advantage. If he can secure top position he will look to wear down his opponent with strikes before perhaps attempting one of his much vaunted arm bars.
Though Herman may lack the finesse and storied background of the Scandinavians mat exploits, he remains an imposing and much more seasoned Mixed Martial Artist. The Team Quest trained heavyweight must look to remain standing if he is to have any chance of continuing his impressive run of victories where it now matters most, in the UFC. He should be able to use his athleticism to frustrate his opponent and remain patient behind the jab, keeping the fight standing and his opponent out of his comfort zone. As long as he can do that, the victory is only a matter of time given his opponent’s lack of pedigree standing.
