Andre Harrison: Top Featherweight Prospect

When Titan FC Featherweight champion Andre Harrison steps into the cage on September 9th to defend his title, he will not only be looking to improve to 14-0 as a professional, but also make another statement, that he is ready for the UFC. Arguably the winningest and most UFC-ready unsigned prospect in MMA, “The Bull” will be tangling with BJJ powerhouse and Bellator veteran Alexandre “Popo” Bezerra, in a fight that will be streamed live on UFC Fightpass. This would seem to imply that the UFC is well aware of the talent on the Titan FC card, and one assumes it is only a matter of time before this undefeated champion makes it to the “big leagues.”

Andre working his hands on the bag during an MMA circuit

A Freeport, NY native, Harrison was a Division II All-American wrestler in college at Fort Hays State University. He seamlessly transitioned to MMA in 2009 where he enjoyed an undefeated amateur run before turning pro in 2011 under the Ring of Combat banner. Harrison trains primarily out of Bellmore Kickboxing MMA, under the tutelage of Keith Trimble, and works his Jiu Jitsu with Joe Scarola at Gracie Barra Long Island. His regular sparring partners include the likes of UFC Welterweight Randy Brown, UFC lightweight Chris Wade, and UFC lightweight debutant Gregor Gillespie, among many others, so Harrison knows how his skills compare to those already in the UFC. Four of his last five victories were over UFC or Bellator veterans.

Dre with training partners Randy Brown and Gregor Gillespie prior to a grueling MMA circuit led by Keith Trimble of Bellmore Kickboxing MMA

In Bezerra, “The Bull” finds an opponent with proven finishing ability who is dangerous on the feet and on the floor. Bezerra tends to be most potent during the early going, where he comes forward with aggressive outbursts and often looks to bring the fight to the ground and work his vaunted submission game. With only four losses to his record, opponents have found success by surviving the initial onslaught and wearing him down. This figures to be a challenge against Harrison, who may be able to keep the fight on the feet and put “Popo” through a grind in the early rounds to earn the stoppage that has eluded him in some recent fights.

Heavy kicks from Dre The Bull

If Harrison wins, as most fans and pundits expect, what happens next is anybody’s guess. MMA websites have called it “shocking” that the UFC has not yet signed Harrison and repatedly assumed that the “call-up” would be imminent. So far that has not happened, and Harrison has quietly and repeatedly dispatched the best that Titan FC has been able to put against him.

THE BULL in Kill Mode on the ground and pound bag

As with any Andre Harrison fight, on September 9th fans could be witnessing The Bull‘s last fight before the UFC. Look for Harrison to use his wrestling to dictate where the fight takes place, and mix a patient striking approach with well-timed takedowns as the fight wears on. Bezerra is a strong starter, but this is a five-round title fight. Harrison should have enough experience to weather the storm and drag his opponent into deep waters, where fatigue and sweat will make submissions harder to find for Bezerra. The smart pick is for the New York native Harrison to improve to 14-0 with an impressive victory over a high level opponent, and the UFC would be wise to pay heed.

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Writer: Kyle Antonelli

Photos: Matt Culley