Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at American Jason Gonzalez as he takes on veteran Drew Dober at UFC 203 in Cleveland, Ohio. Jason “Nicoyas” Gonzalez Hometown: Torrance, California Age: 26 Height: 6’2” Reach: 76” Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Icon MMA Career Record: 10-2 Key Wins: None Key Losses: None Background A long lightweight at 6’2”, Gonzalez made the quarterfinals of TUF 22 before being eliminated in a unanimous decision loss to Abner Lloveras. Gonzalez is a finisher with all ten of his professional wins coming inside the distance. Strengths
- Aggressive, really goes after opponent
- Uses a lot of kicks
- Looks for knees against the cage
- Uses long legs well in the guard to threaten submissions
Weaknesses
- Very hittable on the feet
- Over aggressiveness on the feet leads to opponents having more opportunities for takedown attempts
- Opponents can easily advance position on him from top control
- Conditioning is a question mark
Match-up against Drew Dober If this weren’t the first bout on the card, it would be a potential contender for fight of the night. Both fighters prefer a stand up exchange and have no issues moving forward to engage. Gonzalez should have the advantage early on this bout. He has a six inch height and five inch read advantage in this bout. Gonzalez is as aggressive as they come on the feet and will throw the kitchen sink at Dober with punches, kicks, and knees. Dober will take some damage in this fight and will need to take this three rounds to find a way to win. Dober should take control late in the fight as Gonzalez’s conditioning is a question mark. This is a close fight as Gonzalez has yet to win by decision and likely will need to do so to get the win. With Gonzalez’s physical advantages in this bout, I give him a slight advantage in this bout, but Dober is a tough out for anybody given his constant pressure and resilience. UFC Ceiling Jason Gonzalez is an interesting prospect. He showed some promise on The Ultimate Fighter 22 with his aggressive striking approach. He needs to improve his takedown defense if he’s going to have long term success, but his high volume approach combined with his length advantages could see him get a few wins inside the Octagon. Fight Film Check out Jason Gonzalez in some of his most recent fights: Jason Gonzalez vs. Shane Johnson Jason Gonzalez vs. Tim Welch
