As one of the quickest-rising divisions in the UFC, the featherweight roster is brimming with unheralded potential.
Divisional standouts Cub Swanson and Max Holloway lived up to that billing Saturday at UFC on Fox 15.
Fresh off a disappointing defeat at the hands of former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar back in November, Swanson needed to come away with an impressive victory to prove his worth in the Top Five.
It’s been a wonder to watch Max Holloway develop in the UFC. Still only 23. Unreal.
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) April 19, 2015
But it was the underdog Holloway who took it to the veteran and once again showcased his professional evolution.
Here is what we learned from Saturday's featherweight tilt.
What We'll Remember About This Fight
Too much movement on behalf of Holloway and not enough initiation from Swanson are the two things to remember about this fight.
On the heels of seamless footwork, combinations to die for and near-perfect precision, the young Hawaiian picked apart Swanson with relative ease.
His creative striking efforts culminated with a third-round submission that capped his most impressive performance to date.
It was a true coming-out party for Holloway as he has now cemented himself as the next big thing at 145 pounds.
What We Learned About Swanson
Swanson just looked outmatched.
And for a veteran who was coming off a loss to Edgar and had never dropped back-to-back fights in his entire career, it was surprising to see him come up so short.
The fact of the matter is that Holloway's pressure, reach, unpredictability and speed instantly overwhelmed Swanson.
As a result, the Californian was unable to get comfortable inside the cage, resembling nothing like a Top Five divisional threat in the process.
What We Learned About Holloway
Holloway continues to climb the featherweight ladder and in good fashion.
With some of the best footwork and striking in the division, he dismantled one of the toughest outs around like he was squashing a bug.
From quick feints to head kicks, from straight rights to body combinations, Holloway showcased that his elite striking can in fact usher him to the top of the weight class.
There just wasn't much Swanson could do to counter the elusiveness of the 23-year-old.
What's Next for Swanson
Despite losing his last two Octagon appearances by way of submission, Swanson still remains an elite player in the 145-pound division.
However, his recent quarrels will knock him down the featherweight ladder and force him to regroup. He'll have to put forth yet another lengthy win streak to regain his status as a bona fide title challenger.
A future matchup opposite UFC fan favorite Clay Guida makes perfect sense.
What's Next for Holloway
Conor McGregor and Dennis Bermudez are the only fighters to defeat Holloway since 2013.
That's pretty impressive considering the young finisher has posted a 6-2 record during that span.
Needless to say, Holloway has now cemented himself as a future top contender—one who could very well fight for a title in 2016.
If the UFC really wanted to push his stock, it would have him fight Chad Mendes, but the company will probably hold its hand in secret and pin him against Edgar, whether he wins or loses to Urijah Faber this May.
For more UFC news and coverage,
