2012 World MMA Lightweight Scouting Report: #5 - Neilson Gomes

Photo by Marcelo Alonso, Sherdog
Name:	Neilson Gomes
Nickname:	--
Age:	24
Height:	5'10"
Location:	Paulo Alfonso, Bahia, Brazil

If you're considered one of the top prospects in the world, there's a good chance that you've been born and bred in Brazil. The country's extensive support system has produced not only quantity, but quality over the years, and it isn't going to end any time soon. With world class trainers in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai available to mold the country's youthful competitors into well-rounded fighters quickly, Brazil will continue to be a prominent fixture in the talent market for years to come.

Within the confines of the lightweight division, Champion Team's Neilson Gomes (13-2) is one of the young fighters who has benefited greatly from everything Brazil has to offer. A seasoned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter who possesses a threatening top control game and brutal ground and pound skills, he also boasts a diverse striking game.

The 24-year-old had accumulated eleven straight wins over the course of the last two years until getting stopped cold by fellow prospect Adriano Martins at Jungle Fight 34 on November 26. Despite the setback, it's difficult to dismiss Gomes' previous eleven-fight winning streak. During the run, which spanned over three years, Gomes bested notables Julio Cesar de Almeida (15-6), Jadson Souza Costa (11-3), Ciro Rodrigues (10-4), and Silmar Nunes (14-5), giving him one of the strongest strengths of record among our lightweight prospects.

Gomes' versatility has been the key to his success. Threatening from top control with damaging ground and pound or endangering his opponents with savvy submission skills, Gomes has proven he isn't to be taken lightly. He's also adept at standing toe-to-toe with his opposition, showcasing a variety of kicking attacks and combinations that keeps his opponents guessing.

It isn't all good news however. He does have a tendency to get wild on the feet, and his defense has holes in it, as evident by the fact that Adriano Martins knocked him out in only one minute and twenty-one seconds. Those issues can be corrected, but there is a concern that Gomes might not have the defense to get past the creme of the crop that stands in his path at the top of the food chain in his weight class. If he can't stop his opposition from laying waste to his chin, it's going to be a tough mountain to continue climbing.

There isn't much evidence to support the theory that his career will suddenly trend downward. Martins may have bested him on an off-day, but everything else points toward success in the future. With the help of Champion Team, I'm optimistic that Gomes will find a way to keep winning, likely putting him into the good graces of the UFC or Bellator by the end of 2012.

Check out more video footage of Neilson Gomes after the jump...

Adriano Martins vs. Neilson Gomes
Jungle Fight 34 - November 26, 2011

Eliene Piti Silva vs. Neilson Gomes
Jungle Fight 33 - October 22, 2011

Neilson Gomes vs. Silmar Nunes
Jungle Fight 23 - October 30, 2010