UFC 150 ‘Henderson vs. Edgar 2’ Preview

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Featherweights

Justin Lawrence (4-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Max Holloway (5-1, 1-1 UFC)

The Matchup: Two developing featherweights with impressive standup skills square off here, and the winner could be determined by who has added more to his skill set since his last fight. At 20 years old, Holloway remains the youngest fighter on the UFC’s roster. The Hawaiian was not allowed to ease into the Octagon, as he stepped in on short notice to face Dustin Poirier at UFC 143. Predictably, Holloway succumbed to Poirier via submission, but “Blessed” was able to hold his own on the feet against a more seasoned foe.

That carried over to the “The Ultimate Fighter 15” Finale, where the former X-1 champion showcased his boxing in launching an all-out body assault on the outmatched Pat Schilling. While that effort certainly bodes well for Holloway’s future, it should be noted that Schilling was also dominated by Daniel Pineda in his only other UFC appearance.

Lawrence was one of the favorites during the most recent season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” but questionable decision making led to his falling at the hands of Mike Chiesa in a semifinal bout on the reality show. “The American Kid” rebounded against castmate John Cofer, knocking him out with a third-round head kick at the season finale. Lawrence was the beneficiary of a tactical error by Cofer, who circled directly into Lawrence’s wheelhouse to set up the decisive blow.

Do not expect a similar gaffe from Holloway, who is most comfortable pressing the action on his feet. The Hawaiian will move forward with his jab and, as he has already shown, is extremely comfortable fighting in tight spaces. With that said, Holloway can do more than box, as his creative standup attack also includes elbows, spinning kicks and flying knees.

That should make for an interesting duel with Lawrence, who has more than 150 amateur kickboxing bouts to his credit. Lawrence lands precise straight shots, but he also is not afraid to throw a flashy kick. The Missouri native got himself in trouble by following Chiesa to the ground, but Holloway -- whose grappling remains a work in progress – should not present any such danger.

The Pick: These two will be happy to stand and trade for three rounds, but Holloway’s propensity to work the body gives him a slight advantage. Lawrence will not be nearly as easy a target as Schilling, but Holloway’s ability to string combinations together will lead him to a decision triumph.

Last Fights » The Prelims