Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at recent Dana White Tuesday Night Contender Series Contract Winner Bobby Moffett as he makes his UFC debut against featherweight Chas Skelly at UFC Fight Night 139 in Denver, Colorado.
Bobby “The Wolfman” Moffett
Hometown: Harvey, Illinois
Age: 28
Height: 5’10”
Reach: 74”
Weight Class: Featherweight
Camp: MMA Lab
Career Record: 13-3
Key Wins: Dan Moret
Key Losses: Raoni Barcelos, Thanh Le
Background
A Pan American jiu jitsu Brown Belt medalist, Moffett began training in jiu jitsu in 2009 with hopes of being able to turn professional and fight in the UFC. Moffett has fought in some of the best regional promotions prior earning a ticket to the UFC following a successful fight on the Dana White Tuesday Night Contender Series.
Strengths
- Good overhand right
- Aggressive wrestling game
- Stifles opponents on the mat
- Above average endurance
- At his best when he’s able to grapple and tire out opponents
Weaknesses
- Can be forced to fight off the backfoot
- Has been clipped on the feet
- Lacks the hand speed of most UFC featherweights
- If forced into a prolonged stand up contest, he’s at a disadvantage
Fighter Grade
Offensive Striking: C-
Striking Defense: D+
Knockout Power: C-
Athleticism / Speed: C-
Footwork: C
Chin: D
Offensive Wrestling: C+
Takedown Defense: C+
Submissions: C
Conditioning: C+
Intangibles: C
Overall Grade: C
Matchup with Chas Skelly
In a battle between two experienced wrestlers, Chas Skelly welcomes Bobby Moffett to the UFC. Neither fighter is very good on the feet, so I fully expect this fight to be determined by who will be able to secure takedowns and top position. While Moffett has had success so far in his career, he’s facing a former Oklahoma State wrestling champion and a former collegiate NAIA All American. Skelly is just a different another level from what Moffett has faced thus far in his car. I expect Skelly’s class to shine as he’s able to dominate early on. Skelly has tended to fade in fights, so he may need to hold on in the third round to walk away with a positive result. Given Skelly’s conditioning concerns, I’d recommend considering Fight Doesn’t Go the Distance (+135).
UFC Ceiling
Bobby Moffett has the wrestling background and grappling ability to cause problems for a lot of opponents in the UFC Featherweight Division. The key for him will be to continue working on his striking game. As that improves, so does his ability to move up in the division. Right now, he appears to be a guy right in the middle of the division.
Fight Film
Check out Bobby Moffett in some of his most recent fights:
Bobby Moffett vs. Jacob Kilburn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gra_ZmAHL3c
Bobby Moffett vs. Thanh Le
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0wi93_h400
