FIGHTING IN HIS hometown will give him an advantage, but the support of the fans won’t be enough to steer Cathal Pendred to victory this weekend.
That’s according to Tom Breese, who takes on Pendred tomorrow night at UFC Fight Night 76 at Dublin’s 3Arena.
Breese (8-0) told The42 that Pendred (17-3-1) will need more than the backing of a vocal Irish crowd to put the first blemish on the Englishman’s undefeated record.
“The crowd’s not going to bother me,” the Birmingham native said. “I’m going to go in there and do what I do in training. My reactions are going to be the same as in training so it’s not going to change anything. I’ll be composed and I’m going to get the win.
“It’s going to make the win more impressive. To be honest, that’s why I wanted the fight with Cathal. I think he’s a big name, he has a big following and it’s going to be a chance for me to get my name out there. I believe I’m unknown still in MMA.”
Breese made his UFC debut back in May, needing less than a round to overcome Luiz Jorge Dutra via TKO in Brazil. He’s confident of finishing Pendred inside the distance too, admitting that it would be a concern if the result of the fight is left in the hands of the judges in his opponent’s backyard.
Breese: “Definitely. I could land a clean shot and there’ll be no noise from the fans, whereas he could miss or glance with a shot and the crowd will probably make a lot of noise for it.
“But I can see myself being very dominant in this so it shouldn’t even need the judges. I’m going to get ready for three rounds. Pendred’s a tough guy and he keeps going but if the finish is there I’ll take it.”
Pendred’s striking is one of the weaknesses in his game and Breese believes it’s an area he can exploit. However, the 24-year-old Tristar fighter is adamant that he’s superior in all areas of the game.
“I see a lot of gaps,” said Breese, who’s been sparring with former world champion boxer Lucian Bute. “In MMA, it’s still dangerous, small gloves, so everyone’s got a puncher’s chance. But I do see a lot of gaps.
“Technically I believe I’m levels above Pendred. The reason I think Pendred’s so good is because he’s delusional. His belief is incredible, he just keeps going.
“I think I’m better everywhere. If it goes to the ground I’ll beat him on the ground. On the feet, I train with some of the best boxers in the world so my boxing is superior. I still haven’t really had a chance to show that.”
Breese added: “I respect Cathal as a fighter. I think he’s got a great record and he doesn’t get the credit he deserves. I think he’s a very tough fighter but it’s going to be a great win for me.”
