Joe Soto is an ultra talented MMA fighter currently competing in the featherweight division. He participated in Bellator FC's inaugural Featherweight Tournament which he would eventually win to become the promotion's first ever featherweight champion. He's a very hardworking fighter who shows the work ethic and raw talent necessary to develop into one of the most complete fighters in the division.

Soto comes to the sport with a reputation of being a tough, hardnosed athlete who possesses solid wrestling credentials. A former California State Wrestling Champion, Soto eventually made his way to Iowa Central Community College where he twice achieved NJCAA All-American status while wrestling alongside UFC superstars Jon Jones and Cain Velasquez. A tremendously gifted athlete, Soto possesses a quick shot, nice single leg, powerful slams, and strong takedowns overall. He has excellent strength for the division and bullies opponents on the ground, showing strong top control and good guard passing abilities. A small compact featherweight, Soto's equipped with tremendous balance and core strength proving very difficult to put down on the mat. On the ground his primary weapon is his ground and pound as he looks to posture up and deliver strong punches from the top. He has the potential to be overpowering with his ground and pound abilities, and if he's given room to manoeuvre he can really pour it on and open up with a quick, powerful barrage of punches and hammer fists (see bout with Reyes). Soto continues to work on complimenting his wrestling with strong technical BJJ skills. He's excellent at transitioning between positions and is a flexible fighter with a competent, active guard game. Soto continues to make strides in his submission game (he actually has a gogoplata win on his resume) and shows the potential to develop into a complete, well rounded featherweight grappler.

Despite coming from a wrestling base, Soto's shown rapid development in his standup and isn't hesitant about letting his hands go. He possesses quick, powerful leg kicks, fast hands and is an extremely quick fighter who displays nice footwork. Soto makes good use of his right hand as he's equipped with a very good right cross, and he does throw quick, accurate punches standing. A composed striker overall, Soto is patient in his approach and will bide his time and wait for openings without getting wild or crazy on his feet. Defensively, Soto keeps his guard up, shows improving head movement and has the ability to recover very quickly if and when he gets hurt. Although he's primarily known as a grappler, Soto is very comfortable keeping the fight standing and will do so if he feels it's to his benefit.