Jordan Young respects what Tom Lawlor brings to the table, but doesn’t think he has a killer instinct.
Young (11-1) meets Lawlor (10-8) at 2021 PFL 5, which takes place Thursday at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J. The main card airs on ESPN2 following prelims on ESPN+.
Looking for the finish at all costs, Young knows what’s at stake. He notched three points in the opening round, but finds himself at a disadvantage having not even competed yet after multiple opponents pulled out. Lawlor is in an even tougher spot since he lost his first fight, but Young doesn’t feel threatened by what he has to offer.
“As a fighter, he has a lot of experience,” Young said at the pre-fight news conference. “He’s a tough guy, he seems to be able to take a shot, kind of durable. I don’t think Tommy’s a killer though.”
He continued, “He does need six points, but I would like for someone to tell me how he could get those six points. That’s a first-round finish. I’ve never been finished, I don’t give up finishes, I’m hard to hit, I’m damn sure not getting submitted. So he could need six points, he could want six points as much as he wants.”
Young is aware that Lawlor has fought an array of big names such as former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman and Bellator light heavyweight contender Corey Anderson, but he doesn’t see that playing a factor.
“I respect his experience,” Young said. “Everybody in this tournament has a lot of experience outside of just me, and I think one or two other fighters, but Tom Lawlor has a lot of experience and he’s fought good guys. It’s been a long time since he’s fought those good guys though and time’s change, things change in this sport very fast.”
The 26-year-old plans on engaging in a striking battle, but isn’t threatened by the possibility of getting taken down. In fact, he sees it as his easiest path to victory.
“I’d like to keep it standing up, I think it’ll be entertaining for the fans,” Young said. “You never want to be on your back in MMA, but I don’t think Tom wants to put me on my back. Maybe he does, but that’s not what he really wants. I think him putting me on my back would be the fastest way for me to get a win.”
He continued, “Be young, be fresh, be athletic, use my techniques. Touch and don’t get touched and get the finish when it’s presented. Whether that’s on the feet or on the ground.”
2021 PFL 5’s Jordan Young unfazed by Tom Lawlor: He’s a tough guy but he’s not a killer
