Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at American welterweight Bobby Nash as he makes his UFC debut against China’s Li Jingliang at UFC on Fox 23 in Denver, Colorado. Bobby Nash Hometown: Clawson, Michigan Age: 26 Height: 6’0” Reach: 76” Weight Class: Welterweight Camp: Fuse MMA Career Record: 8-1 Key Wins: None Key Losses: Lewis Gonzalez Background The 26 year old welterweight has fought in many regional organizations including the well-respected (now defunct) Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA). Nash is a finisher with seven of his eight career wins coming by finish. Strengths
- Good use of lower leg kicks
- Has power in his left hand
- Decent size for the weightclass
- Dangerous guillotine choke
Weaknesses
- Keeps head stationary
- Very susceptible to being hit on the counter
- Can be pushed against the cage
- Poor takedown defense
Matchup against Li Jingliang A battle of capable strikers sees Lee Jingliang welcome Bobby Nash to the UFC. Jingliang is an interesting prospect having seen moderate success in the UFC. He’s a fighter who has beaten the fighters he should be and lost to the veterans who still hold a place in the promotion. Nash fits more into the first criteria. Jingliang is a much better athlete with better footwork. Furthermore, Nash’s striking defense is a major hole and Jingliang has the boxing technique and power to take advantage. Jingliang is a muscular fighter so if this fight doesn’t end earlier, he could slow down significantly. Jingliang is the more likely winner in this fight as he’s more powerful, athletic, and better technique but he’s not a fighter one can trust as a sizable favorite. This is a fight to sit back and watch. UFC Ceiling Bobby Nash has done well on the regional circuit most notably knocking out former UFC fighter Lewis Gonzalez. He has good size for the weightclass and has shown he can finish opponents. However, there are too many holes in his game that need to be addressed to get to the next level. First and foremost, his head remains static making him a standing target for any worthwhile striker. Combine that with poor takedown defense and I don’t see much of an opportunity for him to have success in the UFC. Fight Film Check out Bobby Nash in some of his most recent fights: Bobby Nash vs. Lewis Gonzalez Bobby Nash vs. Angelo Trevino