Featherweight: Francis Marshall Vs. Connor Matthews
Tale of the tape
23-years-old
5’9″
Jersey City, New Jersey, US
Pellegrino Mixed Martial Arts
5-0
4 Submissions
Combined opponent’s record: 38-38
30-years-old
5’8″
Brockton, Massachusetts, US
Lauzon MMA
5-0
1 KO/TKO, 4 Submissions
Combined opponent’s record: 19-115
Pros and Cons
Francis Marshall
Pros
- Good output
- Solid wrestling
- Strikes to wrestle well
- Good back take
- Credible positional grappling
Cons
- Advances in straight lines
- Can be overzealous
Connor Matthews
Pros
- Fast starter
- Heavy hands
- Good back take
- Submission threat/Dangerous RNC
- Good straight punches
- Good ground and pound
Cons
- N/A
Who has the advantage?
Striking: Matthews
Speed: Matthews
Output/Volume: Marshall
Kickboxing: Matthews
Striking defense: Matthews
Footwork/movement: Matthews
Wrestling: Marshall
Grappling: Marshall
More likely to finish on the mat: Matthews
Gas tank: Marchall
Prediction: It’s hard to find negatives in Matthews considering all his fights are early first-round finishes. His total fight time as a pro doesn’t even equal over one and a half rounds.
Although that looks exciting on paper, if you look at the guys he’s fighting, it’s like he’s a Brazilian training out of Astra Fight Team. The competition of Marshall has been no better, but at least all are more legit than notorious journeyman Jay Ellis.
It’s a hard fight to predict because of all the uncertainties between both guys. I will say at least with Matthews we’ve seen he can finish everywhere. With Marshall, it’s just the wrestling. I won’t be surprised with any outcome but the pick is Matthews.
