There is something different to be found when watching touted prospects compete inside the chaos of a mixed martial arts cage.

There are some who are simply meant for larger achievements, and their performances reflect that motivation, while others who possess developed traits struggle against more experienced competition. These collisions are necessary to determine where an up-and-coming competitor fits in the larger scheme of MMA. The ones who pass the test move on to face tougher obstacles, and those who struggle discover there is much more work to be done.

Both examples were on display last week at Bellator 181 in Thackerville, Oklahoma. 

Logan Storley

​Class: Welterweight | Age: 24 | Record: 6-0

Super prospect Logan Storley made his professional debut against Kemmyelle Haley in his promotional debut last Friday night. 

The former six-time South Dakota state high school wrestling champion and four-time All-American from the University of Minnesota came into the tilt carrying a ton of buzz from steamrolling competition on the regional scene. During those fights, Storley posted a 5-0 record and proved to be a well-oiled wrestling machine -- and efficient to boot -- as he wasted little effort getting his opposition to the ground and pounding out quick stoppages. 

And while some say with the big stage comes with jitters, Storley certainly didn't show any nerves in his Bellator debut.

Much like his aforementioned regional performances, Storley was quick to set Halley on his back end and get to work. The Combat Club fighter immediately began to transition to side mount but found his opening to strike midway through the transition. He dropped elbows and hammerfists in a barrage that forced the referee to step in and stop the action.

It was a solid performance and a clean night's work for Storley that will keep the buzz surrounding him rolling strong.

FloCombat Prospect Grade: A+

Romero Cotton

​Class: Middleweight | Age: 27 | Record: 1-0

Another fighter with strong wrestling credentials hit the cage in Thackerville as well, as Romero Cotton made not only his Bellator debut, but his professional MMA debut as well.

Cotton's time in the collegiate ranks came with controversy off the mats but there was no denying the power and athleticism he possessed once the action went live. Nevertheless, MMA is a different animal, and Cotton had a tough test in Aaron Rodriguez last Friday night.

From the outset it was clear Cotton's wrestling was the strongest asset in the cage, as he immediately found an opening to put Rodriguez on the canvas. Yet, once there and in top position, he made mistakes that kept him in a dangerous place for Rodriguez to attempt submissions, which he did time after time.

Getting out of those submission attempts and constantly having to work for takedowns zapped Cotton's gas tank, but his wrestling chops shined through as he ground out the split-decision victory. It certainly wasn't the prettiest showing, but then again, how many fighters believe in their skill set enough to make their professional debut on a stage the size of what Bellator provides? 

The answer is not many, but Cotton's name is now firmly in that discussion, and he moves to 1-0.

FloCombat Prospect Grade: C+