Report Last Updated - 2/02
Birthdate - 7/6/64
6'3" 280 lbs. - ???, IL
Team - RAW Team
Style - Wrestling
Career Highlights
- Makes it to the finals of the MARS tournament where he and Murillo Bustamante go to a draw
- Knocks out Kevin Randleman to win the Brazil Open's heavyweight tournament
- Defeats Gary Goodridge by decision at Pride 8
- Strangles K-1's Matt Skelton to win his first fight in over a year
- Beats toughguy trainer Tim Catalfo by choke out at Pride 19
Striking - Tom Erickson is a strange one on stand up. He has so much power and is genuinely dangerous in that regard, but he seriously lacks technique. He was killed in K-1 because of that very fact. He basically has a puncher's chance when it comes to doing damage standing. His ground n' pound is really good though. Being bigger than most, he's able to muscle his opponents down and bring in knees or reign down rights.
Wrestling - One of many successful wrestlers turned fighters. Erickson is aptly named "Big Cat" as he is definitely a big man and quite quick for his size. He has no problems with the takedowns and keeping the action on the mat if that's what he wants. His size and strength edge, similiar to Dan Severn a few years ago, makes the difference more often than not.
Hooking - Like many wrestlers, Erickson is not the best finisher. He will use submissions, but is often slow with application. This makes them easier to fend off by smart fighters. Erickson can muscle a basic submission on if he wants, but will never submit a skilled submission fighter. Furthermore, his defense isn't much. As we've seen with many big, strong wrestlers, they forget to defend once they're on top.
Strengthes - At 280 pounds, Tom Erickson has a nice thirty-to-forty pounds on most of his heavyweight opponents. That makes a big difference in MMA. Erickson's edge means he's probably going to force things to the mat and he's going to be a menace on top. His wrestling technique is strong and his physical strength is perhaps an even greater attribute.
Weaknesses - For guy with so much going for him, why hasn't Erickson delivered the goods? Like Dan Severn, Erickson lacks the secondary skills to be a world class fighter. Ground n' pound works well, but it is not going to work with everyone. Erickson's size and strength advantage is never any better than people like Mark Coleman or Mark Kerr because he does not have the technique to compliment it.
Outlook - At nearly 40, Erickson's time is fast fading. Pride was breeding him and other American wrestlers to be top heavyweights, but they've all largely failed. Once their game was solved it became very hard for them to maintain their positioning. Erickson's lackluster standup and submission skill have made him a generic powerhouse wrestler who can get anybody on the mat...and that's about it. Erickson is still a competent fighter though and will be a challenge to up-and-coming heavies or established ones.