Sherdog Prospect Watch: 10 Upside Picks

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10. Julio Arce
Division: Bantamweight
Record: 7-0
Age: 25
Years Pro: 2.75
Camp: Team Tiger Schulmann

New York native Arce has built an extensive and impressive record under the watchful eye of Lou Neglia and his Ring of Combat organization -- the same promotion that produced such future greats as Matt Serra, Frankie Edgar and Chris Weidman, to name only a few. In addition to his undefeated MMA record, Arce also sports a New York Gold Gloves boxing championship and some kickboxing experience.

As you might expect given those credentials, Arce’s game revolves around his slick southpaw striking repertoire. He relies mostly on his exceptionally quick and potent hands and has a special fondness for the double jab-straight left combination that he throws as he steps to his right to get the dominant outside angle. Offensive output is a strong suit, and Arce has a tendency to simply bury his opponents under a steady stream of crisp left hands down the pipe.

Arce is an out-fighter by temperament, and he relies on his footwork, movement and speed to bring him into range for his straight punches and then to pivot out on a sharp angle while mostly avoiding exchanges in the pocket. Despite his skill and raw talent, there are a few critiques to be made. He could stand to kick a bit more, and as he fights more durable opponents, a greater dedication to working the body and legs would come in handy. He tends to rely a bit too much on angles and distance rather than head movement or parries for defense, as well, but that can be fixed in time.

Outside his striking wheelhouse, Arce is still reasonably well-rounded. His clinch game is quite strong, and he excels at using single- and double-collar ties both to land knees and create space to escape back to striking distance. His takedown defense seems to be fairly solid, and he is a good-enough grappler to keep himself out of trouble on the ground.

Team Tiger Schulmann, Arce’s home gym, has produced a few UFC-caliber fighters in the form of Uriah Hall and Nick Pace. Whether that is the right place for Arce to continue to develop and grow is an open question, but there are other gyms in the greater New York area that could certainly help him. In any case, Arce is a serious talent with the potential to crack the top five at bantamweight or even higher.

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