• UFC Fight Night 24

Hardy is technically better than Johnson - Pearson

ESPN staff
March 9, 2011
Dan Hardy comes from a strong kickboxing background © UFC
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Ross Pearson claims Dan Hardy will show Anthony Johnson up on a technical level when the pair collide at UFC Fight Night 24.

Hardy steps into the Octagon to end a two-fight losing streak when he meets Johnson on March 26. The last time he suffered back-to-back losses was in 2006, kick-starting a five-fight tear.

Johnson is arguably the first opponent faced by Hardy who has a size advantage, asking new questions of the Rough House fighter. Team-mate Pearson has spent years training with The Outlaw, and he claims his technical abilities are unrivalled.

"It's a very tough fight for Dan. We all know about Anthony's ability and size, his athleticism is strong, but I see Dan being much more technical," Pearson told ESPN.

"Dan will keep things nice and tight, he won't get too loose with his hands, and he'll take him out with perfect technique. If everything goes well, Dan can pull out a good victory over him.

"100 per cent it's technique over athleticism. If you were to put them against each other on an athleticism scale, Anthony Johnson would win. But Dan's just got to stick to the gameplan and keep basic, simple technique, and that'll win him the fight."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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