Issue 050

June 2009

Part of the current crop of English fighters tearing up the UFC, Terry Etim has fought for the organisation since their return to the UK in 2007. 

Statistics

Name Terry Etim

Record 12-2-0

Age 23

Height 6’1”

Category Lightweight

Fighting Style Muay Thai / Submission Grappling

Fights out of Liverpool, UK

Active since 2005

A slick submission grappler with a total of 10 career wins by tap out, Etim’s strongest weapon was a well-kept secret until his fight against Sam Stout in October of 2008. Few outside of Etim’s home town of Liverpool knew that he was in fact a world-class kickboxer, something he has shown in his last two outings in the Octagon. 

Etim has fought a total of five times for the UFC and recently signed an extension on his contract. Both of his losses came while fighting in the Octagon, as he dropped back-to-back decisions against powerhouse Gleison Tibau, a black belt world champion grappler, and veteran Rich Clementi, a stalwart of the UFC who had three times as many fights as Etim when they met. Though Etim lost both bouts, he impressed the UFC brass with his determination and durability, taking both fights the distance and pressuring his opponents throughout. 

Still only 23 years old, Etim looks to be maturing as a fighter and is among the top 155lb fighters in Europe, a position he will look to cement in his next fight on UFC 99 in Germany. 

Focus

Though he is only 23 years old, Etim is old beyond his time in the Octagon. He is extremely focussed when he fights and cleverly sticks to his game plans, fighting strategically and efficiently but with a ruthless effectiveness. 

Reach

At 6’1”, Etim stands inches taller than most other lightweights. His height means he enjoys a distinct reach advantage over his opponents, enabling him to use his polished striking game, but his long limbs are also useful when it comes to grappling – he has scored numerous submissions thanks to his long, lanky limbs. 

Shins

An exceptional Thai boxer, Etim’s long legs are a danger for any opponent. He frustrated and picked apart Sam Stout with his varied leg attacks, while Brian Cobb suffered numerous heavy kicks to the legs before getting dropped with one to the jaw. 

Career Timeline

2005

Makes MMA debut at 19 years of age. Goes 4-0 with three subs and one KO. 

2006

Appears on one-off event WCFC. His fight is refereed by Mike Tyson. 

2007

Makes UFC debut, choking out his opponent Matt Grice. 

2008

Loses his second fight in a row, but bounces back with a dominating win over Sam Stout. 

2009

Scores a TKO win in London, is lined up to fight in Germany.