- George Chung
- Apr 26, 2024
- 2 min read
Jonathan Pearce is gearing up to enter the Octagon this weekend, hoping to regain the form that previously established him as a formidable featherweight contender in the UFC.
Following his initial defeat in the UFC to seasoned fighter Joe Lauzon in 2019, Pearce launched a commendable winning streak, securing victories against Kai Kamaka III, Omar Morales, Christian Rodriguez, Makwan Amirkhani, and Darren Elkins. This impressive series of wins nearly propelled him into the Top 15 of the featherweight division. However, his progress was interrupted when he was defeated by Joanderson Brito of Brazil via a ninja choke in his last match.
Although this loss momentarily slowed his momentum, Pearce has taken time to reflect and is now eager to accelerate his career once more. "I don't overthink it. I just view it as a defeat," Pearce mentioned in a recent interview with UFC.com in the lead-up to UFC Fight Night: Nicolau vs Perez. "We're constantly testing ourselves; you can't win them all. That’s why I’m stepping back in this weekend—to show who I am, JSP."
Pearce's previous experiences have not only shaped him as a fighter but also strengthened his resilience. In 2014, he survived a brutal assault at his gym in Tennessee that left him hospitalized with severe injuries. This incident forced him to rebuild his life and career, deepening his resolve and mental toughness.
Pearce is set to face David Onama in what promises to be an electrifying matchup at the UFC APEX. Onama is known for his striking abilities and has a reputation for improving as the fight progresses. However, Pearce feels confident in his wrestling and combat diversity, believing these skills give him an edge.
This fight is not just another bout for Pearce; it's a chance to reestablish himself among the division's elite. "After I beat him, I plan on having a ranking, or getting a Top 15 guy," Pearce asserts. He remains committed to his straightforward approach: "Just fight your fight. You don’t need to talk—we already know you can do that!"
This upcoming weekend, Pearce looks to not only win but also make a statement, proving that setbacks are merely stepping stones in his journey through the UFC featherweight ranks.
