Talented featherweights Jonathan Pearce and Pat Sabatini both looked to return to the win column in preliminary card action at UFC Vegas 98.
Pearce had dropped two straight, to Joanderson Brito and David Onama, while Sabatini entered off a single loss, opposite the red-hot Diego Lopes.
Both of these fighters desperately needed a win to stay in contention at 145-pounds.
Early in the first round, Sabatini pressured Pearce to the cage and found a home for a double leg takedown. As Pearce tried to get back to his feet, Sabatini expertly jumped to his back where he remained in control for the remainder of the fight. Pearce tried to break the body lock Sabatini had around his waist, leaving himself open for the rear naked choke.
Sabatini was soon able to secure the choke forcing Pearce to tap. This was the eighth first round finish in Sabatini’s career. In the four minutes and six seconds the fight lasted, Sabatini had three minutes and 56 seconds of control time. This was a dominant performance for the Philadelphia native, who secured his 12th submission victory.
Pat Sabatini told UFC commentator Michael Bisping in his in post fight interview “I think I have an edge over everyone in this division on the ground”. With this win Sabatini has won four of his last six matchups in the UFC and is on doorstep of a top 15 ranking.
Official Result: Pat Sabatini def. Jonathan Pearce by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 4:06
