Distance: 3-inch reach difference
Read matchup Real analysis. Smarter reads. A deeper understanding of the card.
The evidence points to a grappling gap (0.7 vs 2.3 takedowns per 15) and a finishing gap (20% vs 71% of archived wins); that is the read to test in the first five minutes.
Supporting evidenceGrappling: 2.3 takedowns / 15 vs 75% defense
| Attribute | Pearson | Sotiropoulos |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 28 | 35 |
| Height | 5′8″ | 5′10″ |
| Reach | 69″ | 71″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Rank | Unranked | Unranked |
Highlighted rows mark a meaningful factual difference, not an advantage. Unpublished values stay unpublished.
Sotiropoulos averages 2.3 takedowns per 15 minutes; Pearson has stopped 75% of attempts on record.
Favors PearsonPearson has been finished 2 times in the archive and absorbs 4.1 strikes per minute.
Favors Sotiropoulos3.7 and 2.6 significant strikes per minute: similar output, so accuracy (40% vs 27%) decides the exchanges.
Watch the first takedown attempt from Sotiropoulos: whether it lands, and how expensive it looks, tells you the shape of the fight.
Rounds two and three turn on whether Sotiropoulos keeps landing takedowns at 2.3 per 15 minutes; if Pearson stays upright, the striking rates (3.7 vs 2.6 landed per minute) take over.
Scheduled for five rounds: 25 minutes changes the pace math, and a fighter who banks two early rounds can afford to manage the fourth.
