Prior to each UFC fight card, Jay Primetown takes a look at some of the key contests at each event. In the latest installment, we look at an All-American clash as New Jersey’s Jonavin Webb takes on former Strikeforce, Bellator and now UFC fighter Nathan Coy. Webb looks to recover from the first loss of his career; a split decision defeat to Australian Kyle Noke. As for Coy, this is first fight since being triangled by Englishman Danny Roberts in December. Nathan Coy (Record: 14-6, +205 Underdog, Fighter Grade: D) A former All American wrestler out of Oregon State University, Nathan Coy has been competing professionally in MMA since 2007. Coy has fought in most of the large North American promotions including Bellator, Strikeforce, and now the UFC. He’s faced high levels of competition during his time in the sport including Mike Pierce and Tyron Woodley. He enters this fight on a two fight losing having been finished in his last two contests. Over the years, Coy has been a fairly durable fighter and been in competitive contests against quality opposition. Takedowns are critical to his ability to win fights. It’s imperative to have top control in order to grind out decisions. His ability to take damage on the feet has significantly lessened in recent fights. Outside of a TKO via doctor stoppage in MFC in 2012, Coy hasn’t finished an opponent since 2010. Coy is wrestling focused fighter who can grind out decisions against wrestlers with little to no wrestling base. That’s who the 37 year old American Top Team trained fighter is at this point in his career. Jonavin Webb (Record: 8-1, -245 Favorite, Fighter Grade: C-) Jonavin Webb is at the opposite end of the spectrum than his opponent on Sunday. The New Jersey based fighter Renzo Gracie Philadelphia product opened his career with eight straight wins prior to a very close to the veteran Kyle Noke in his first ever UFC fight. Webb fought in one of the top regional promotions in North America in Cage Fury Fighting Championship and is a decent prospect in the welterweight division. Webb is a decent athlete with an above average grappling game. His striking has improved, but he needs to further improvement in order to compete with the top half of the division. He’s got speed on the feet. He’s not the most technical striker, but quickness a significant attribute that works in his favor. In his debut against Noke, he was able to drop the Australian multiple times in that fight simply by having much quicker hands than his opponent. He was able to hit him clean before his opponent could even react. His submission game is very creative, but he tends to be over aggressive in his attempts and could end up on his back due to that aggressiveness. Match-up This is a match-up between fighters on opposite ends of their career. Jonavin Webb is just beginning to hit his stride, while Nathan Coy is nearing the end of his time as a MMA fighter. Coy is certainly the more accomplished wrestler. His dependence on takedowns makes him quite predictable in the octagon. Webb has yet to be tested by a wrestling focused fighter, so this fight will show us just where he is with defending takedowns. With that said, I expect Webb to have success on the feet. His quickness will be a struggle for Coy to deal with. Webb has a sneaky good right hand and I think he’ll be able to land in the standing exchanges. He may even drop him at some point in this fight. Coy may be able to score a takedown early in this bout, but look for Webb to threaten with submissions. Coy was caught in his last fight with a triangle and I’m certain Webb has the ability to win by submission as well. Webb’s the better athlete, has more tools, and is the far more likely fighter to earn a finish in this matchup. Coy’s only opportunity to win is to hold top control in each round and avoid submissions for a decision win. I don’t think he’s able to stay to do that. Look for Webb to earn a stoppage win over the aging American Top Team fighter.
