Bellator 101 Date: September 27, 2013 Arena: Moda Center at Rose Quarter City: Portland, OR Welterweight bout: Andy Uhrich (+260) vs Nathan Coy (-380) Fight Breakdown: The Bellator 101 prelims features a scrap between two welterweight warriors, as Tennessee’s Andy Uhrich faces off against Portland’s own Nathan Coy. Uhrich is currently the underdog in this match-up at +260 ($100 to win $260), while Coy is the favorite at -380 ($380 to win $100) at Several Bookmakerss. ANDY UHRICH (8-3 MMA, 0-0 Bellator) is making his promotional debut, looking to get a win that will catapult him into the next Bellator welterweight tournament. Uhrich has solid wrestling skills; he likes to close the distance and take the fight to the mat, and he is relentless with his takedowns. His top game, however, is not very impressive. He does not do much damage with his ground and pound. He blankets his opponents, while landing the occasional ground strike. While he doesn’t do much offensive damage, his top control is heavy and it’s hard to get out from under him. He has a great sprawl and takedown defense; his offensive and defensive wrestling are both noteworthy. His striking skills are average at best, and an area he needs to continue improving on. The Memphis, Tennessee native generally has a good chin, but has been knocked out by The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season 13’s Charlie Rader, so it’s now a definite question mark. Aside from striking, another area he really needs to improve on in his Brazilian jiu-jitsu game. He is not a threat with submissions and has virtually no submission defense. Uhrich has good conditioning and is the younger fighter heading into this match-up. He will be making his Bellator debut looking to make a statement against the veteran Coy and put his name on the map in the welterweight division. NATHAN COY (12-4 MMA, 0-0 Bellator) is riding a four-fight win streak that followed two consecutive losses in the now defunct Strikeforce promotion. Coy is a talented wrestler who likes to wear his opponents down by outwrestling them, especially if they are wrestlers themselves, which is the case in this match-up against Uhrich. The 35-year old Coy has great takedowns, and to compliment is offensive wrestling skills, he has solid defensive wrestling. His defense features and a great sprawl. Coy transitions well and is capable of taking an opponents back if given as little as a one second opening. The Portland native’s submission defense is worth mentioning as well. He is not an easy man to tap, though he has suffered 1 submission defeat in his professional mixed martial arts career. Training out of American Top Team in Coconut Creek, FL, Coy has decent conditioning and is average-at-best on the feet. At 35 years of age, he does not have the best chin, but it shouldn’t be a concern going into this bout against Uhrich. Fight Prediction: I envision Coy grinding out a clear-cut nod in a grappling-heavy battle. He will have both the superior wrestling and striking, so I expect him to get the better of Uhrich, regardless of where the fight goes. Gabe’s Pick: Nathan Coy (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Nathan Coy -380 in a round robin with Warren and Brooks, and a parlay with all 3.
