Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at England’s Danny “Hot Chocolate” Roberts as he takes on TUF 21 participant and former Bellator Welterweight Nathan Coy at UFC Fight Night 80 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Danny “Hot Chocolate” Roberts Hometown: Liverpool, England Age: 27 Height: 6’1” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Welterweight Camp: Blackzilians/Next Generation UK Career Record: 11-1 Key Wins: Jim Wallhead Key Losses: None Background Not to be confused with UFC veteran Daniel “Ninja” Roberts, this English-born welterweight comes from a boxing background and has built a solid career in Europe, having won five straight bouts in Cage Warriors prior to making the jump to the UFC. Strengths
- Very athletic
- Good footwork
- Strikes well from range and with variety
- Powerful leg kicks
- Strong in the clinch
- Does well to get back to feet when taken down
Weaknesses
- Can be a bit wild with his striking
- Defensive wrestling needs work
- Gets himself in poor positions on the ground due to lack of grappling experience
- Leaves his neck exposed allows opening for submissions
Match-up with Nathan Coy Nathan Coy is a veteran fighter, but comes into this fight with some significant disadvantages. His opponent, Danny Roberts, is the much younger and dynamic fighter. Look for Roberts to dominate the fight on the feet and likely score a knockout victory. In order for Coy to have success, he will need to score takedowns and have long periods of top control. Roberts doesn’t have great takedown defense, but he is a fighter who scrambles well to his feet. I don’t see Coy being able to hold him down long enough to make it 15 minutes and get the win. Roberts by finish is the most likely result. UFC Ceiling Danny Roberts is an athletic fighter who certainly has a skill set that can do well in the UFC. He’s got a diverse striking game and scrambles well on the ground. He comes into the UFC buoyed by a solid record on the regional circuit with quality wins in Cage Warriors, MMA’s best UK promotion. I expect him to stick in the UFC and to have some success, but he’ll need to work on his defensive wrestling if he’s really going to make waves in the organization. Fight Film Check out Danny Roberts in one of his most recent fights: Danny Roberts vs. Henry Fadipe Danny Roberts vs. Jim Wallhead