Preview: UFC 199 ‘Rockhold vs. Bisping 2’

Featherweights

Max Holloway (15-3) vs. Ricardo Lamas (16-4)

THE MATCHUP: Holloway looks to continue his outstanding run through the featherweight division. Lamas represents the Hawaiian’s toughest test since Conor McGregor, but Holloway is a far better and more experienced martial artist than he was in 2013.

Lamas has made a name for himself as an opportunist. Though his game sometimes seems to lack focus, there is no phase in which Lamas is not comfortable. At range, Lamas stays light on his feet and throws a variety of kicks. His low kicks in particular are quite dangerous. Lamas also knows how to blend together his striking and wrestling, using the threat of the takedown to land damaging punches.

The ground is where Lamas’ savvy really shines. He is a capable chain wrestler with a strong single-leg series. Once his opponent hits the mat, Lamas shows off an excellent passing game, which he combines with stinging ground-and-pound. When the opponent scrambles, Lamas stays perfectly calm and waits for an opening. In these quick transitions, Lamas’ submission game rears its head. He has an excellent guillotine which allows him to punish opponents who try to stand up too recklessly.

Holloway is something of an all-rounder himself, with a few impressive submission wins on his resume, but he is a more specialized striker than Lamas. The young man called “Blessed” is a naturally talented boxer. Since his fifth pro fight -- which was also his UFC debut -- he has understood how to manage distance and use angles. Now Holloway’s technique is improved, and he is more consistent than ever. Holloway can pressure or fight off the back foot, and he seamlessly blends together kicks, punches and other, more esoteric techniques at every range.

Holloway has also turned into a stout defensive wrestler. No longer the man who was taken down repeatedly by McGregor, Holloway is keen to stuff takedowns and punish his opponent in the clinch for each attempt. Lamas will be the best wrestler Holloway has fought in some time, however, so the true scope of his takedown defense will be revealed in this one.

THE ODDS: Holloway (-300), Lamas (+250)

THE PICK: Lamas is a perfect opponent for fighters like Holloway. Though rarely as impressive overall, Lamas is the kind of fighter who can beat any opponent on any night, given the right openings. Holloway will have to be at his tightest and most technical to best “The Bully.” He has a decided advantage at long range, however, and he is better than most at keeping the distance he wants. The pick is Holloway by unanimous decision.

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