MMA Preview – Omar Morales vs Jonathan Pearce at UFC 266
OMAR MORALES VS JONATHAN PEARCE FACTS
When is UFC 266? Sunday 26th September, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 266? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 266? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 266
What channel is UFC 266 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 266? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
OMAR MORALES VS JONATHAN PEARCE LOWDOWN
Omar Morales (11-1) is back on the march after suffering the first loss of his career. He stormed his way to 8-0 after chopping down Harvey Park’s leg on the Contender Series in 2019 to earn the call-up to the big leagues where he belongs. He kicked off his UFC account with two solid unanimous decisions over Dong Hyun Ma and Gabriel Benitez but then met another featherweight prospect. Giga Chikadze handed out the unanimous decision this time and is on his own march to the title. Morales responded with yet another unanimous decision over Shane Young back in March and is now hungry to build another streak.
Jonathan Pearce (10-4) also earnt the coveted contract after impressing on the Contender Series in 2019. He knocked out Jacob Rosales in the third round to cap a five-fight win streak which included four knockouts and a submission, but it got snapped on his debut. He took on a rusty Joe Lauzon but got a taste of his own medicine getting knocked out in the first round. However, he responded in true Pearce fashion notching the eighth knockout of his career, putting Kai Kamaka last November.
OMAR MORALES VS JONATHAN PEARCE PREDICTION
Pearce has eight knockouts compared to Morales’ two, but the Venezuelan is the better striker holding the speed and technique advantage. Pearce is clearly dangerous, but he needs to call upon his wrestling.
Pearce will still throw a lot of volume including leg kicks, but he has a habit of leaving his chin exposed so we expect Morales to tag him often. The sooner Pearce shoots in for a takedown the better and if he can get Morales on his back, he will rain down ground-and-pound while looking for a submission.
As long as the fight stays on the feet, this is a good match-up for Morales who will not have to wait long to counter. Pearce has a good chance if he mixes in strikes with takedowns. If he hurts Morales, a takedown will be there for him but as we expect the majority of the fight to remain standing, Morales should earn another classy decision.
Prediction: Morales via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
