PAULO FILHO

ATTRIBUTES

OFFENSIVE SKILLS

DEFENSIVE SKILLS

ULTIMATE TECHNIQUES

LEG SWEEP SINGLE LEG TAKEDOWN

Level 2 - Both Standing, Striking Range

Filho’s takedowns are excellent, but this clinch throw is another great way of bringing the opponent to the ground in style. Filho lands in Side Control when this big technique throw succeeds.

SUPLEX TO SIDE CONTROL, TOP

Level 2 - Double Underhook, Offense

These crushing ground strikes are readily available to Filho in many ground sub positions, and they can spell disaster for his opponents, especially when he drops them from Half Guard or Mount.

STRONG LEFT/RIGHT PUNCH

Level 3 - Open Guard, Top

This fantastic takedown is Fitch’s bread and butter move on the feet. Dive in and drive the opponent to the ground with this dominant double leg, then work some of his crushing ground-and-pound.

STRENGTHS

• Takedowns

• Submissions

• Solid chin
  

Paulo Filho is a submission grappler with good takedowns and excellent control on the ground. Whether he’s fighting on top or rolling on bottom, Filho wants to be engaged with his adversary on the ground, moving to attempt various submissions, for which he has a knack.

He can take a punch as well, so feel free to mix things up with him on the feet, throwing his fast strikes to frustrate his opponents until you decide to shoot in and bring the fight to the floor with one of his dominant takedowns.

Filho can lock in subs from either the top or bottom, so don’t worry about his adversary’s takedowns when exchanging in the stand-up.

Feel comfortable fighting off your back with him, trapping his opponents in ground clinches and then locking in submissions with sudden ferocity from the bottom.

WEAKNESSES

• Footwork

• Standing strikes

• Standing strike defense
  

Filho is a dangerous submission grappler, but his poor footwork and low striking power make him a relatively easy target when he exchanges with superior strikers on the feet.

Outmaneuver him in the stand-up game, landing the occasional kick or straight from the outside to nullify his primary form of offense: grappling and the ground game.

Beware of Filho’s powerful takedowns, and be prepared to stuff his dangerous single leg shots at any moment.

Maintain your distance from him on the feet and be sure to punish him each time you manage to stuff his takedown attempts—you might even try intercepting his takedowns with counter knees if you’re able to time them.

Strive to keep the fight standing, and Filho will have trouble threatening you with much offense. Pick him apart with quick strikes, crisp combos, and sharp counters to work him over without giving him a chance to impose his dangerous submission game.