Featherweight, Damion Nelson (3-0)
Pros
- Solid jab
- Good side-to-side movement
- Patient
- Good kicks
- Dangerous front kick
- Good bodywork
Cons
- TDD needs some work
- Can be too patient
Nelson is an undefeated featherweight that trains with top gym LAW MMA. Nelson has a high-caliber corner including current UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. Undefeated as a pro Nelson went 4-0 as an amateur so he has yet to taste defeat.
Nelson is one of those fighters that’s not great anywhere but is competitive everywhere. Sometimes he doesn’t press the pace enough. He only has three finishes of seven career wins. Being too laid back is why three of his decision wins are by split decision. He did finish James Lyons in his last fight which is a good sign considering Lyons was on my Prospect Watch at one time.
To pinpoint what Nelson does so well, it is keeping the fight at his preferred range. Nelson has a stiff jab, throws a lot of kicks, and loves to throw that front kick up the middle. It seems like his biggest weakness is his takedown defense but it’s improved over time. The gas tank looks good, he has a solid jab, and has good movement and a lot experienced fighters lack those qualities.
I’m on the fence with Nelson. Nelson has the right team in the gym pushing him to become a really good fighter. He is 28 so he’s going to have to step on the gas instead of just tapping the pedal.
