The main event of UFC 308 is one of the year’s biggest and best fights as the featherweight title is on the line in Abu Dhabi.
Undefeated champion Ilia Topuria has smashed his way through this division whilst facing very little adversity coming back the other way.
After stopping Alexander Volkanovski earlier this year, he now faces the other all-time great 145-pounder of this era in Max Holloway.
Holloway likely would have reigned as the champion for a long time if it wasn’t for Volkanovski, when you look at his record.
Now we will find out whether “Blessed” can regain the gold against a dangerous but less experienced opponent.
Jonathan Pearce Believes That Max Holloway’s Experience May Be Crucial
There weren’t any signs in Topuria’s title-winning performance that he was suffering from a lack of experience, even if he can get heated on fight week.
UFC featherweight Jonathan Pearce believes that Holloway’s decision-making could be a defining factor in this fight because he knows when to engage with Topuria and when to stay on the outside.
“Blessed” has been known to throw caution to the wind from time to time but as we saw at UFC 300, he’s at home in the chaos.
When asked whether he thinks these two men will be able to replicate something similar to this iconic moment from earlier this year, Pearce gave this response.
“I think so but I don’t think Topuria’s ready for that. I think he can hang with it for a while but I think he doesn’t have the experience that Max has if that happens. I think that Max knows better than to step in sometimes. He won’t let his ego get in control where you got a younger fighter that just needs to believe in himself.”
Pearce is set to face Pat Sabatini on October 12 at the UFC Apex.
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