Roy Boughton turned pro in 2010 and broke through immediately - securing five victories over notable competitors including Murilo Rua and Misha Cirkunov, as well as winning a four-man one-night tournament. Progressing at a very rapid rate, Boughton is highly regarded out of the Cesar Gracie camp and a potential impact player in the middleweight division.

While Boughton may train under a Gracie, he initially joined Cesar Gracie’s camp to work on his muay thai. Early in his career he’s shown excellent agility and quickness for his frame, and an eagerness to let his hands and kicks go. An intelligent worker from the outside, Boughton uses his jab, leg and body kicks effectively. He’s armed with a nice right hand (overhand and hook), and the reaction time to bob and sway to avoid his opponent’s punching. Boughton has a good chin and can take a punch, although his technical skills are still a work in progress. With work, he’s fully capable of developing into a competitive middleweight striker.

Boughton’s BJJ has developed at an excellent rate, having earned his blue belt from Cesar Gracie in only four months. In that time he’s become noted for being extremely difficult to submit – even when training with the elite’s in the camp (see Shields, Diaz, Melendez). Although he was a wrestler in high school, Boughton has quickly acclimated himself to the MMA ground game and is comfortable enough off his back that he’ll pull guard. He shows diversity in his takedowns including good doubles and singles, impressive slams – especially belly to back, as well as the ability to land beautiful trips and throws from the clinch. Boughton’s also proven difficult getting down, demonstrating good balance and solid takedown defense. Very strong from top position, Boughton controls his opposition well and works effectively from half guard. He makes good use of his elbows and produces a steady ground and pound attack. Employing a methodical guard passing and transitioning strategy, Boughton is apt at grinding opposing fighters down with his tenacity, physical strength and compete level. Training with the Cesar Gracie camp Boughton has displayed good submissions awareness and rapidly improving technical proficiency. Already having shown strong ground skills, Boughton is capable of developing into a very strong MMA grappler given his progression and training capabilities.