Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at lightweight Devin Powell as he makes his UFC debut against fellow debutant Drakker Klose at UFC Fight Night 103 in Phoenix, Arizona. Devin Powell Hometown: South Berwick, Maine Age: 28 Height: 6’0” Reach: 74” Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Nostos MMA Career Record: 8-1 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background Owner and head instructor of his own gym in New Hampshire, Powell has amassed an 8-1 record mainly fighting on the regional circuit in New England. Powell was noticed by Dana White during a taping of his reality show, “Lookin for a Fight” and given an opportunity to fight in the UFC in 2017. Strengths
- Long for the weight class
- Good use of leg kicks to land to the lower part of the body
- Good submission skill set
- Opportunistic on the ground looking for submissions
Weaknesses
- Below average athlete
- Can be muscled up against the cage
- Lacks punching power to hurt opponents on the feet
- Striking defense needs improvement
- Takedown defense not UFC level
Matchup against Drakkar Klose A matchup between two UFC debutants at Fight Night 103 sees Devin Powell square off against MMA Lab product Drakkar Klose. Both fighters have a similar level of experience, but where they excel is completely different. Klose is a dynamic striker that can throw the kitchen sink at opponents: elbows, punches, and kicks. He’s athletic and relentless on the feet. Meanwhile, Powell’s game is kicking focused and he does his best work in the grappling exchanges. For Powell to win this fight, he’s going to have to force this fight to the ground. On the fight, Klose has a big advantage and Powell is susceptible to being dominated in the striking exchanges. I think this is a difficult debut fight for Powell as he’ll struggle to defend Klose’s powerful strikes and eventually succumb to a loss by knockout. Klose is the likely winner in this bout, but it’s difficult to back a UFC debutant at over -200. UFC Ceiling Devin Powell has a decent kicking game and is capable at submissions, but the rest of his game is below UFC level. What sticks at the most his athleticism. Speed and agility are below UFC level and he’s going to struggle to compete against UFC athletes. Powell needs to improve his standup and work on his strength if he’s going to have a lengthy stint in the UFC. Fight Film Check out Devin Powell in some of his most recent fights: Devin Powell vs. Jeff Anderson Devin Powell vs. Scott Jurgen Devin Powell vs. Jon Lemke (Starts at 1:43:00)
