Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at welterweight Niko Price as he makes his UFC debut against Colorado’s Brandon Thatch at UFC 207 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Niko “The Hybrid” Price Hometown: Cape Coral, Florida Age: 27 Height: 6’0” Reach: Weight Class: Welterweight Camp: American Top Team Career Record: 8-0 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background An American Top Team product out of Cape Coral Florida, Niko Price is an undefeated welterweight who has won seven of his eight career fights inside the distance. Prior to signing with the UFC, Price was a champion in Fight Time Promotions based in Florida. Strengths
- Presses forward
- Does look for takedowns against the cage
- Lot of heart, fights through adversity
- Aggressive when he senses his opponent his hurt
Weaknesses
- Striking technique is too loose, lacks refinement
- Vulnerable in the clinch
- Hittable on the feet
Matchup against Brandon Thatch Brandon Thatch has lost three straight fights in the UFC and needs a win to stay in the organization. Scheduled to face newcomer Niko Price at UFC 207 may just be what he needs to get back on track. Price is an aggressive fighter that looks for takedowns when striking is not going his way. Thatch is vulnerable to submissions if put on his back by a good wrestler, but this is a bout I’m not too worried about in that regard. Price doesn’t have the technique or the physical power to secure takedowns regularly against Thatch. Look for the Colorado raised fighter to defend takedowns and force Price into a standing exchange. Thatch will easily be able to land against Price’s porous striking defense. Thatch is at his best in the clinch and he will be dominant in those exchanges in this bout with elbows and knees. Look for Thatch to land heavy on the feet and win this fight by knockout. Once props are released for this bout, I’ll be looking to play Thatch by knockout. UFC Ceiling Niko Price is decently sized for the welterweight division, but outside of that doesn’t appear to a skill set that will succeed in the UFC. His striking technical is wild and he doesn’t have the power behind his punches to keep his opponents on the back foot. Defensively he has a lot of holes and can be hit easily even by below average strikers. His instincts are good to look for takedowns, but again it comes down to ability and I don’t see him having success at this level taking opponents to the mat. Unless there are major improvements, I don’t see Price lasting long in the UFC. Fight Film Check out Niko Price in some of his most recent fights: Niko Price vs. Mikerson Lindor