SEAN STRICKLAND THE TWO TIME MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION!! UFC 328 Full Card Predictions

UFC 328 Predictions and Insights

Introduction to UFC 328

• The host introduces UFC 328, scheduled for May 9th at the Credential Center in Newark, New Jersey, highlighting it as potentially the best numbered card of the year.

Guest Appearance on Podcast

• The host shares excitement about being a guest on "Across the Pod" with notable MMA creators Alfredo MMA, Ben J, Marauder, and Zombie Men J.

• Discussion topics included Pratz vs. Dela Matalena and their personal GOAT lists; anticipation builds for when the episode will be released.

Fight Companion Announcement

• The host promotes a live fight companion stream an hour before UFC 328 starts, emphasizing its importance to his channel's community.

• Encourages viewers to engage by liking and commenting on videos; expresses enthusiasm for watching fights together.

Notable Fights on the Card

• Highlights key matchups including Ham Zachaya's return from UFC 319 and Sean Strickland's comeback since UFC Houston.

• Acknowledges Yan Blovich’s recent meniscus surgery at age 43 and discusses implications for interim title opportunities due to injuries in the division.

Breakdown of Early Prelims: José Ooa vs. Clayton Carpenter

• Analyzes José Ooa vs. Clayton Carpenter as one of the most competitive fights on the card; emphasizes Ooa’s striking skills against Carpenter’s grappling style.

• Discusses Ooa's previous performance against Asuv and his ability to scramble back to feet after takedowns.

Key Insights into Fighter Styles

• Notes that Ooa is a slick southpaw striker with effective round kicks but may struggle with takedown defense against Carpenter.

• Suggests that Carpenter lacks top pressure control compared to other grapplers, which could give Ooa openings to stand up during exchanges.

Prediction for Outcome

• Predicting a TKO victory for José Ooa in round one if he can avoid being taken down while dominating stand-up exchanges.

Middleweight Matchup: Binger Suskaya vs. Jordan Santos

• Introduces Binger Suskaya as a promising fighter despite criticisms; highlights his potential growth at just 25 years old.

Analysis of Santos' Performance History

• Reflecting on Santos’ past performances where he struggled under pressure but has shown flashes of skill against lower-tier opponents.

Fight Strategy Considerations

• Discusses how Suskaya might need to wrestle effectively against Santos who utilizes jabs well; predicts that wrestling will play a crucial role in determining fight outcome.

Final Prediction

• Concludes with expectations that Suskaya will secure a submission victory over Santos in round three or possibly win by knockout.

Featherweight Clash: Pat Sabatini vs. William Gomez

• Expresses skepticism about this matchup potentially being unexciting due to both fighters' styles clashing unfavorably.

Tactical Breakdown

• Reviews Sabatini’s grappling strengths versus Gomez’s striking range; suggests Sabatini may struggle closing distance effectively against Gomez's reach advantage.

Prediction Summary

• Predicting Gomez will win by decision based on his ability to maintain distance and avoid getting controlled by Sabatini throughout the fight.

Emotional Reflection: Marco Tulio vs. Roman Copilov

• Host reflects on past hopes for Marco Tulio as a future star after disappointing performance against Christian Leroy Duncan.

Matchup Dynamics

• Considers Copilov's tendency towards grappling-heavy strategies which could neutralize Tulio’s striking abilities if replicated in their upcoming bout.

Final Thoughts

• Despite doubts from previous losses, remains hopeful about Tulio winning through effective use of open stance kickboxing techniques tailored towards Copilov's weaknesses.

Analysis of Roman Copilov vs. Marco Tulio Fight

Overview of Fighters' Performance

• Roman Copilov has shown a tendency to underperform, often not taking the initiative in fights, which could be detrimental against more active opponents like Marco Tulio.

• Despite Copilov's experience with higher-level competition, his recent performances have been lackluster, raising questions about his current form compared to Tulio's potential.

Tactical Insights

• For Marco Tulio to succeed, he must avoid being taken down and manage his energy effectively while countering Copilov’s wrestling attempts.

• The fight is expected to be engaging unless Copilov fails to deliver an exciting performance.

Prelims Breakdown: Jim Miller vs. Jared Gordon

Fighter Profiles

• Jim Miller is viewed as a veteran fighter at 155 lbs but may struggle against younger talent like Jared Gordon due to age and recent performance issues.

• Miller's grappling skills are still respected; however, he faces challenges from younger fighters who can outpace him.

Fight Predictions

• A healthy Jared Gordon is predicted to win via round one TKO based on Miller's declining ability and Gordon’s striking capabilities.

Grant Dawson vs. Matteos Rebecci: A Potential Upset?

Matchup Dynamics

• Grant Dawson might face difficulties against Matteos Rebecci if he cannot handle powerful strikes early in the fight.

• Rebecci’s striking prowess could exploit Dawson’s weaknesses if he closes the distance effectively.

Prediction Insights

• The prediction leans towards a first-round knockout for Rebecci due to Dawson's vulnerabilities in striking exchanges.

Joel Alvarez vs. Yaros Amisov: Grappling Showdown

Fighter Capabilities

• Yaros Amisov demonstrated superior grappling by submitting Neil Magny, which may give him an edge over Joel Alvarez in their matchup.

• Alvarez’s transition from lightweight may affect his power at welterweight, making it challenging for him against skilled grapplers like Amisov.

Expected Outcome

• The prediction favors Amisov winning via decision due to his grappling advantage over Alvarez.

Tibagotier vs. Azie Diaz: An Intriguing Clash

Background on Fighters

• Azie Diaz has faced knockouts previously but shows resilience that could challenge Tibagotier despite his record.

Fight Strategy Considerations

• Tibagotier needs effective footwork and head movement to land significant strikes without getting countered by Diaz’s jab.

Conclusion of Predictions

• Despite concerns about Tibagotier's skill level progression, a round one KO victory is anticipated for him based on physical attributes and past performances.

Main Card Preview: Bobby Green vs. Jeremy Stevens

Matchup Context

• This fight appears set up as a retirement match for Jeremy Stevens given his recent struggles and age compared to Bobby Green.

Tactical Analysis

• Bobby Green is expected to utilize volume punching effectively against Stevens’ limited offensive toolkit, potentially leading to a knockout victory through creative striking setups.

Final Thoughts

• Green is predicted not only to win but also possibly deliver an impressive highlight-reel finish with innovative techniques such as wheel kicks or jabs followed by hooks.

Analysis of Shawn Brady vs. Waqen Buckley

Fight Dynamics and Predictions

• Shawn Brady's wrestling skills are highlighted as a significant advantage over Waqen Buckley's striking, suggesting that Brady can secure takedowns more effectively than Buckley can land knockout shots.

• Michael Morales is described as a powerful striker, but the analysis indicates that Brady's grappling will likely neutralize Buckley's boxing style, which relies on landing one big shot.

• Despite losing to Morales, Brady's overall skill set is defended against criticism; he is still favored to win against Buckley due to his grappling prowess.

• The prediction emphasizes that while Buckley may aim for an early KO, his tendency to rush could leave him vulnerable to being taken down by a skilled grappler like Brady.

• The stakes are high for Brady after losing his contender status; thus, an early takedown attempt in the fight is deemed crucial for his success.

Heavyweight Clash: Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortez Aosta

Fight Overview and Predictions

• Volkov faces Cortez Aosta in what is seen as a pivotal match for both fighters; Volkov’s lack of diverse offensive weapons raises concerns about his chances.

• Cortez Aosta's ability to close distance and execute takedowns against Volkov is noted, with past performances indicating he can handle such challenges effectively.

• The analysis points out Cortez Aosta’s awkward fighting style and speed as potential advantages over Volkov’s traditional range-based approach.

• There’s skepticism about whether Volkov can defend against Cortez Aosta’s aggressive striking tactics based on previous fights where he struggled with pressure fighters.

• The conclusion leans towards predicting a second-round TKO victory for Waldo Cortez Aosta due to his dynamic striking capabilities.

Flyweight Championship: Joshua Van vs. Tatiro Tyra

Title Contenders' Insights

• Joshua Van defends his title against Tatiro Tyra; the unpredictability of the flyweight division makes this matchup particularly intriguing given recent shifts in rankings.

• Tyra's rise in predictions contrasts sharply with earlier assessments of him as merely top 10 material, showcasing how quickly dynamics can change in MMA.

• Concerns arise regarding Van's ground game; despite having some wrestling experience, it may not be enough against Tyra’s established grappling skills.

• Tyra's consistent first-round takedown attempts are emphasized as critical elements of his strategy that could overwhelm Van early in their bout.

• The expectation is set for Tyra to dominate on the ground leading to either submission or control throughout the fight duration.

Main Event Preview: Hamza Chamaya vs. Shawn Strickland

Championship Matchup Breakdown

• Hamza Chamaya enters as the favorite due to anticipated wrestling dominance over Strickland from the outset of their middleweight championship bout.

• Speculation arises around Strickland potentially defending against Chamaya’s initial takedown attempts and finding opportunities to strike back effectively if taken down initially.

• Chamaya's aggressive nature might lead him into risky exchanges on feet before reverting back to wrestling strategies aimed at controlling Strickland throughout the fight duration.

• An unexpected support emerges for Strickland based on past performances where he has exceeded expectations despite doubts surrounding his abilities against elite competition like Chamaya.

• Ultimately, there’s hope expressed for Strickland achieving an upset victory via round one TKO despite recognizing how unlikely this outcome may be.

Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

Future Fights and Viewer Interaction

• Anticipation builds around upcoming Apex events featuring notable fighters returning after significant breaks or injuries within competitive matchups scheduled ahead.

• Excitement surrounds future events including international bouts planned in Macau alongside local fight nights promising thrilling action ahead.

• Encouragement extends towards audience engagement through likes and subscriptions while promoting community interaction during live event coverage planned by content creators involved.