2012 World MMA Middleweight Scouting Report: #4 – Bojan Velickovic

Photo by borilacki-klub.com
Name:	Bojan Velickovic
Nickname:	Veli
Age:	23
Height:	5'11"
Location:	Novi Sad, Serbia

When it comes to high-quality mixed martial arts talent, the country of Serbia isn't normally in the conversation. In fact, it's hardly ever mentioned as a region that enjoys MMA, let alone producing top-tier talent. While that perception won't change in the near future, the country has to start somewhere, and 2012 is the year we get a glimpse of things to come.

Hailing from Novi Sad, Serbia, Bojan Velickovic (6-0) is likely a shock to most readers of our report. How is it that this 23-year-old, originating from Serbia, is slotted in our #4 spot? That's a good question.

Most of Bojan's appeal lies in his versatile skill-set. He's a rangy southpaw fighter with surprisingly diverse stand-ups skills. He uses his reach well, throws an effective jab, and uses kicks to keep opponents guessing. Velickovic is amazingly disciplined in his approach, executing crisp, straight combinations that have proven to be problematic for his opposition.

Those skills are, however, second to Velickovic's grappling game. While his 5'11" frame makes him vulnerable to bulkier fighters who can overpower him, he makes up for it with savvy submission skills. Five of his six wins have come by way of submission.

Interestingly enough, Velickovic made his way to the United States in August, blasting Grudge Training Center's Jason Lee (4-1) in one minute and thirty-nine seconds at Ring of Fire 41. The win not only erased some of the doubt associated with fighters from the region not finding success in the United States, but it hopefully opened up a working relationship that will bring more Serbian fighters stateside.

Velickovic has a tremendous amount of upside, but his continued progression depends on his willingness to find a better training camp. He's also stuck in a region in which he's clearly the dominant middleweight fighter. He'll have to rely on small regional promotions to put up the cash to bring in better talent to face him, which probably won't happen for awhile. If he can get a few more fights stateside and build a relationship with a top camp, a move to the U.S. in 2012 is a no-brainer.

Check out video footage of Bojan Velickovic after the jump...

Bojan Velickovic winning Serbian/Croatian MMA reality show Vatreni Ring, final fight starts at 2:30 mark

Bojan Velickovic vs. Marko Lukacic

Nemanja Uveric vs. Bojan Velickovic

Bojan Velickovic vs Svetislav Nikolajev

Bojan Velickovic vs. Daniel Bobu - Kickboxing (early 2010)