Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Tiger Schulmann trained featherweight Julio Arce as he makes his UFC debut against fellow debutant Dan Ige at UFC 220 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Julio Arce
Hometown: New York
Age: 28
Height: 5’7”
Reach: 70.5”
Weight Class: Featherweight
Camp: Tiger Schulmann
Career Record: 13-2
Key Wins: Peter Petties
Key Losses: Brian Kelleher
Background Julio Arce enters his UFC debut on a five-fight winning streak. The Tiger Schulmann product earned his spot in the UFC after a second round TKO of Peter Petties on the Dana White Tuesday Night Contender Series.
Strengths
- Does well to cutoff cage
- Solid boxer when in range
- Throws well in combination
- Fights with composure
- Good chin
Weaknesses
- Lacks top end speed
- Takedown defense a question mark
- Can struggle in the standup when opponent has significant reach advantage
- Can be pushed around by stronger fighters
Fighter Grade
Offensive Striking: C-
Striking Defense: C-
Knockout Power: D+
Athleticism / Speed: D
Footwork: D+
Chin: C-
Offensive Wrestling: D
Takedown Defense: D+
Submissions: D+
Conditioning: C
Intangibles: D+
Overall Grade: D+
Matchup with Dan Ige In a contrast of styles, Julio Arce and Dan Ige both make their UFC debuts at UFC 220. Both fighters earned contracts into the world’s largest MMA promotion by finishing opponents in the Dana White Tuesday Night Contender Series. In this bout, Ige will be looking to press his physicality and take Arce to the mat. Ige can throw punches with a bit of power, but where he’s at his best is when he can combine it with takedown attempts and outwork his opponent on the mat. Arce meanwhile is the much better striker and does his best work in combination landing to the head and body. Look for Ige to have success in the opening round pushing Arce against the cage and making him work to defend takedowns. After the first round, I expect Ige to slow down and then for Arce to take over. Arce has a very good gas tank and will be able to throw with volume as the fight wears on. I’m not sure if Arce will get the finish, but he should finish the fight strong and get the victory. With both fighters making their promotional debut, this is a fight to avoid betting due to Octagon jitters and too many unknowns.
UFC Ceiling Julio Arce is a solid all-around prospect. He comes from a solid fight camp with Tiger Schulmann and tends to fight in a similar fashion as most of their fighters. He’s got good aggression and throws strikes well in combination. What I like most about him is his composure. Even when his opponent is getting the better of the striking, he never seems to be rattled. I think that’s a great trait indicative of a solid career in the UFC.
Fight Film Check out Julio Arce in some of his most recent fights:
Julio Arce vs. Peter Petties
https://www.ufc.tv/video/julio-arce-vs-peter-petties-contender-series
Julio Arce vs. Thomas Vasquez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l7FHihbgwo
