The MMA Daily

This is one of the more anticipated fights of the year, as both men are two of the more exciting fighters not only in the Featherweight division, but the UFC. Since signing with the promotion in 2012, Holloway has accumulated eighteen wins. At only 29 years old, and five wins away from the all-time win leader Jim Miller, one could expect Holloway in due time will take that record. First things first though, getting back his UFC Featherweight title. With some of the best striking in the UFC, Holloway is the all-time leader in both significant and total strikes landed. With an average of 7.26 significant strikes landed per minute, Holloway looks to break opponents with his volume, pace and cardio. Meanwhile, Yair Rodriguez is a dynamic striker that looks to stay at range and pick apart opponents from the outside. More often than not, Rodriguez has done such. While he technically should have lost against Chan Sung Jung, only Frankie Edgar’s wrestling has truly stifled him. If Rodriguez can implement a heavy leg attack, there is a chance he can slow Holloway down and get in his offense.

As for a prediction, I have Holloway. While I believe Yair Rodriguez is an incredible talent, there are levels to this game. Holloway happens to be at the highest of levels. An incredible striker, with excellent takedown defense and an iron chin, Holloway is the complete package. In this particular fight, I foresee Rodriguez having his moments, but Holloway’s ability to pressure and throw volume is eventually going to overwhelm El Pantera. In the end, the accumulation of strikes and damage is going to put a halt to this fight, as Holloway wins via late TKO.