Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Sioux Falls, South Dakota based middleweight Devin Clark as he debuts against Andrew Nicholson at UFC Fight Night 91 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Devin “Brown Bear” Clark Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota Age: 26 Height: 6’0” Reach: 77” Weight Class: Middleweight Camp: Next Edge Academy Career Record: 6-0 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background Fighting professionally for three years, Devin Clark was noticed by Dana White on a recent episode of “Lookin’ for a Fight” at a RFA event in Clark’s hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Clark was an elite junior college wrestler in addition to having an amateur boxing background. Strengths
- Solid athlete
- Fluid striker
- Long reach for the weight class
- Good double leg which he explodes through
- Good balance when defending takedown attempts
Weaknesses
- Still rather green for MMA
- Can be over aggressive on the feet
- Not a volume striker
Match-up with Andrew Nicholson This is a rather interesting matchup between two guys who are relatively new on the MMA scene. Nicholson is one of the longest fighters in the weight class and is a solid athlete. He’s a got a decent striking arsenal and uses a lot of spinning attacks. On the flip side, Clark is a solid athlete with a strong background in wrestling with success at the junior college level. It’s interesting to point out that Clark had been training with Jon Jones who had been preparing for Daniel Cormier for UFC 200. Jones length and creative striking should prepare Clark well for Nicholson. In this fight, Clark will look to close the distance and make this an ugly fight where Clark works for takedowns and controls Nicholson on the ground. Clark should have major success in securing takedowns in this fight and wearing out Nicholson. The only way I see Nicholson winning this fight is by landing a spinning strike stunning the hometown fighter Devin Clark. The South Dakota native is the better all-around athlete with the better skill set. His variety in takedowns should prove successful and get him his hand raised in this fight. I could see other a late stoppage or a decision win. As over a two to one favorite, I don’t see there being value in betting a fighter in his UFC debut, but he should win this fight rather comfortably if he avoids an early spinning knockout. UFC Ceiling The 26-year old Sioux Falls, South Dakota-trained fighter has a skill-set that could see him do well in the UFC. He reminds me a bit of Kelvin Gastelum as that he appears small for the weight class, but has solid wrestling and movement will give guys problems. His conditioning appears to be quite good which should allow him to control opponents late in fights. He’s got solid ground and pound, but his stand up still needs to improve as one punch knockouts are not likely for him in the UFC. He has spent some time training at high level camps and a more permanent move to a bigger camp could do him well if he wants to jump into the top half of the division. He’s not a sure fire prospect, but there are certainly things here that indicate potential for a solid career. Fight Film Check out Devin Clark in some of his most recent fights: Devin Clark vs. Rafael Viana Devin Clark vs. William Vincent