After spending almost two years sidelined, Patrick Connors is preparing to step back inside the cage.
The Barrie, Ont.-based Connors (3-2) plans to rediscover his winning formula this weekend as he heads to Arkansas to face undefeated Peak Fighting featherweight titleholder Dakota Hope-Lewis (4-0) at Peak Fighting 10 on Saturday evening.
With the belt at stake, the bout represents a crucial stepping stone toward bigger opportunities for both men. Each fighter hopes to seize the moment in 2020 and deliver a standout performance.
“I’ve studied his tape, and I see a young, motivated competitor. It’s a fantastic matchup for both of us—we’re both pushing to climb the ladder and reach the spotlight,” Connors told MMA Empire during a pre-fight interview.
“Some of his earlier opponents may not have had the same ambitions, but this fight puts us both on equal footing.”
The bout will be Connors’ first trip to a five-round contest, though he’s spent his entire career training toward that distance.
Since debuting as an amateur in 2014 at age 19, he says much of his growth has come from maturing both as an athlete and as a person.
“I understand my body better now. I can push hard without burning out too early. My younger self wasn’t nearly as efficient,” Connors noted.
At 26, Connors feels he’s finally putting all the pieces together and developing into a more complete competitor.
His lean 6’1″ frame at 145 pounds typically serves him well on the feet, but his danger zone extends far beyond standup.
“I’d say my greatest strength is that I don’t leave any openings,” Connors explained.
“Sure, I’ve been submitted—but those were against accomplished BJJ black belts. I don’t think Dakota carries the same grappling pedigree. My reach helps me control distance in striking, and I bring plenty of Muay Thai experience along with a lengthy amateur MMA background.”
Fresh off a lightning-fast 15-second knockout of Colton Hamm to capture the vacant Peak Fighting championship, Hope-Lewis poses an early danger. Connors knows full well what he’s walking into.
“Against a puncher like that, defensive discipline is everything. I can’t sit back waiting for him, and I have to exercise patience,” Connors said.
“No trading blows in round one. I need to pick my moments and let him reveal his intentions first.”
Once the cage door closes, Connors intends to press forward and provoke Hope-Lewis into errors, though he’s not planning to force the pace recklessly.
“I want to impose my presence and disrupt his rhythm,” Connors added.
“I know I can’t match him blow for blow, so my game plan is to stay disciplined, maintain distance, and deny him breathing room. I’ve got several paths to victory, and I suspect his best shot is a knockout. I’ve never gone to a decision, so reaching that milestone would be something special, but my preference is always a finish.”
Considering his knockout history, it’s hard to picture the judges needing to weigh in on this main event—especially with a five-round championship bout on the card.
Known for his fearless attitude and constant desire to prove himself, Connors will aim to hoist the belt and send a clear message at Peak Fighting 10.
“It’s just my nature. I’ve never been a point-scoring fighter—I go for the finish every time,” Connors said.
“My ideal scenario is wrapping this up in rounds four or five. That way I get to test my endurance and still walk away with a finish.”
Connors’ shoutouts
“Empire MMA, Niagara Top Team, Thicc Boy Fight Club.” Follow Connors on social media: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
