Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at lightweight Darrell Horcher as he makes his UFC debut welcoming back undefeated title contender Khabib Nurmagomedov to the UFC after nearly a two year absence from the Octagon. Darrell “The Saint” Horcher Hometown: Shermansdale, Pennsylvania Age: 28 Height: 5’10” Reach: 72” Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Unrivaled Athletics Career Record: 12-1 Key Wins: None Key Losses: Phillipe Nover Background The former high school wrestler turned MMA fighter enters the UFC on the back of a fight winning streak. The Pennsylvania bred Horcher is the current CFFC Lightweight Champion. Strengths
- Aggressive, action first fighter
- Throws with volume and decent pop
- Underrated counter striker
- Good overhand left
Weaknesses
- Striking defense needs work
- Takedown defense is decent, but will struggle against strong wrestlers
- Not able to do much when put on his back
Match-up against Khabib Nurmagomedov There’s no easy entrance into the UFC, but this is certainly as difficult as debut fight as there is. Horcher has shown to be a good counter striker with above average power in his hands. Horcher’s best chance in this fight to land in the very opening exchanges and stun his undefeated opponent. Horcher has hurt opponents quickly in fights before, but as he’s moved his way up the regional ladder that’s become increasingly difficult. The last seven fights he’s been in have all seen a third round. That’s not a good sign against one of the best lightweights in the world in Khabib Nurmagomedov. The Dagestani fighter returns to the UFC after nearly a two year layoff in the cage. While it’s tough to tell just how dominant “The Eagle” will be in his first fight back, one thing we do know is that he’s an excellent MMA wrestler with so much variety in his takedowns. In top control he’s relentless and smothers opponents. If Horcher is unable to clip Nurmagomedov in the opening seconds of the fight, it won’t be long before the American is on his back with Nurmagomedov smothering him on the mat. Even with a less than 100% Nurmagomedov, look for one way traffic in this bout for either a wide decision or a late stoppage. UFC Ceiling While Darrell Horcher’s debut match-up is as difficult as it gets inside the Octagon, there are certainly things to be optimistic about in terms of his Octagon viability. Being a southpaw creates a few extra wrinkles for opponents, so that’s an advantage right off the bat. Combine that with being a solid counter striker with good pop in his left hand and he has the ability to be a tricky match-up for a lot of opponents in the lightweight division. He will need to improve his defensive wrestling, but there’s reason to believe he’ll stick around in the UFC. Fight Film Check out Darrell Horcher in some of his most recent fights: Darrell Horcher vs. EJ Brooks Darrell Horcher vs. Chris Liguori
