2012 World MMA Light Heavyweight Scouting Report: #6 - Robert Drysdale

Name:	Robert Drysdale
Nickname:	--
Age:	29
Height:	6'3"
Location:	Las Vegas, Nevada

2007 Abu Dhabi Combat Club champion Robert Drysdale (3-0) hasn't been in any rush to dive into the sport of mixed martial arts. At 29 years old, he's a late starter in the sport, but he isn't new to one of the most integral parts of MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Drysdale's resume is miles long, sporting multiple world and Brazilian national championships to his name. Now, he's attempting to bring that same success to the cage.

Since debuting at Armageddon Fighting Championships 3 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada last July, Drysdale has collected three straight wins, submitting all of his opposition inside the opening frame. His longest bout, against Clay Davidson at AFC 4 last November, lasted a mere two minutes and six seconds. He followed up the victory with his quickest win to date, a one-minute and four second guillotine choke submission of The Ultimate Fighter season 3 contestant Mike Nickels at AFC 6 in June.

Expectedly, Drysdale is a phenomenal topside grappler who also has the know-how to reverse positions from his back. Nothing new there, and it's something we've come to expect from world-class grapplers. He's the consummate submission specialist, and any opponent, even seasoned veterans, will have a hard time dealing with his entangling Jiu-Jitsu.

Surprisingly, Drysdale's takedown game has played a pivotal role in his success thus far. It's allowed him to take the fight to the ground immediately where his strengths lie, and it's the biggest reason why Drysdale has quickly taken out his opposition.

We haven't, however, seen a prolonged striking attack, so the jury is still out on whether it can act as a means to winning a fight. Drysdale will undoubtedly run into tougher competition that can stuff his shots, and that could spell disaster for his aspirations of becoming a UFC champion. Luckily, with the support of the veteran fighters of Xtreme Couture and the connections he's made in Brazil, Drysdale has many of the world's best MMA trainers at his disposal.

Inactivity has plagued Drysdale's quick ascension through the ranks, but he has stated in recent interviews that 2012 will be his year to shine. He's vowed to make his MMA career a priority, so expect big things from Drysdale this year.

Check out video footage of Robert Drysdale after the jump...

Robert Drysdale vs. Mike Nickels

Robert Drysdale vs. Clay Davidson

Robert Drysdale vs. Bastien Huveneers

Robert Drysdale vs Josh Musick - Amateur

Drysdale's Amateur MMA Debut