Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at newcomer JC Cottrell as he takes on Brazilian veteran Michel Prazeres. JC Cottrell Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Age: 26 Height: 5’10” Reach: 71” Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Academy of Martial Arts Career Record: 17-3 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background A former King of the Cage and Legacy FC fighter, Cottrell has racked up 11 of his 17 career wins by submission. He brings a wrestling background to MMA having competed in wrestling in high school. Strengths
- Nice use of lower leg kicks
- Good power double
- Aggressive in grappling situations to find submissions
Weaknesses
- Natural featherweight
- Heavy on his feet
- Too willing to counterstrike
- Can be pushed against the cage
- Reaches with his hands putting himself off balance
- Poor cardio
Match-up against Michel Prazeres An American vs. Brazilian matchup at UFC on Fox sees JC Cottrell make his debut. Both of these fighters are at their best when they can put opponents on the mat and control the grappling. Cottrell had been fighting at featherweight prior to this fight, so it’s a real step up for him to fight a strong lightweight who is an even better wrestler. Neither fighter is known for their pace, so I’d expect this be pretty competitive on the feet. Prazeres the more physically strong fighter should be able to get this fight to the ground and control the fight there. In the past, Prazeres has struggled late in fights with his conditioning, but in this one he’s facing a fighter who also has issues with his conditioning. If Cottrell took this fight and had a proper fight camp, he’d have a bigger chance at the upset, but here I favor the physically stronger veteran to get the decision. Fight goes to decision (-205) appears to be a strong play with neither fighter likely to finish. UFC Ceiling JC Cottrell at lightweight is going to have real problems due to lack of size and fighting as a counterstriker. At featherweight, he should be able to physically compete and the strength to be competitive in the weight class. He needs to work on his conditioning to be able to stick in the organization. There are very few fighters in that division that struggle to compete for all three rounds at featherweight. Fight Film Check out JC Cottrell in some of his most recent fights: JC Cottrell vs. Rocky Long JC Cottrell vs. Cody Walker