UFC Fight Night ‘Nelson vs. Story’ Preview

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FEATHERWEIGHTS

Max Holloway (10-3, 6-3 UFC) vs. Akira Corassani (12-4, 3-1 UFC)

THE MATCHUP: Action fighter extraordinaire Holloway steps up on short notice to replace the injured Chan Sung Jung against Corassani. Holloway enters the cage on a three-fight winning streak, with all of those victories coming inside the distance, while Corassani looks to get back on track after a knockout loss to Dustin Poirier in April. This should be an electric scrap between two talented and willing strikers.

Corassani has developed from a limited bomber into a much more technical striker over his last several outings. He moves well at range, fires a crisp jab and maintains the vicious power in his overhand right and the left hook on which he relied earlier in his career. He is still extremely hittable and is perhaps not the most durable fighter -- all four of his losses are by knockout -- but he can hurt anybody with his punches. An excellent defensive wrestler, Corassani usually looks to stay standing, but he has some takedown and grappling ability.

Dynamic Hawaiian Holloway is the epitome of the always-willing-and-ready-to-roll action fighter. An excellent striker, Holloway pushes one of the most punishing paces in the entire UFC. He uses his rangy frame to land a long front kick on the outside, a sharp jab and straight right at boxing distance and vicious body-head combinations and step-in knees on the inside. Spinning back kicks and hard knees from the Thai clinch give him multiple options as his opponents look to move in and out of range. Although he rarely looks for a takedown, Holloway’s defensive wrestling has been good enough to regularly stuff all but the most explosive and well-timed takedown attempts. He is an athletic, opportunistic scrambler on the ground with developing submission skills.

BETTING ODDS: Hollaway (-600), Corassani (+400)

THE PICK: Even on short notice, this is all Holloway. His cardio and durability are off the charts, and he throws volume at a rate that a power-puncher like Corassani simply cannot sustain for any extended period of time. Corassani will land a few big shots early, but Holloway’s work rate will take over afterward. I expect him to finish with strikes at some point in the second round.

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