At UFC on FOX 15 the real story was the complete performance by Max Holloway. The Hawaiian put on display his full arsenal, utilizing a long jab and reach, kicks, knees and great footwork to evade the power of Swanson and finish him. Swanson, though possessing one-punch knockout power, was predictable throughout, waiting to find the counter but each time he thought he had an opportunity Holloway was gone. Using his reach and output he reminded me of Nick or Nate Diaz but what you don't see from those fighters is the full scope of MMA weapons, knees and leg kicks. It was this key element that kept Cub not only guessing but also hurting, several knees found their mark to the midsection and many leg kicks to the head also had him on the back foot. All those stand-up strikes set up his submission, showing that wherever he saw an opportunity, he took it.
He reminds me of the featherweight version of Carlos Condit, a man that's not known for his power but for being an incredibly well-rounded fighter, something that's key to being successful, I feel. I liken it to Barcelona's success in soccer this year, they used to be a predictable foe using total football to maintain possession but now that they've added the counter their opponents have to plan for multiple forms of attack. This was Max Holloway in this fight and I can see this kid not only competing for the belt but holding it the one day, he has a very bright future.
