Hey, fight fans! Got plans this Saturday night? No? Well, now you do. Check this out: UFC 302 is happening, and it’s gonna be epic. Makhachev vs. Poirier is the main event, and you can catch it live at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Just click here to order. Don’t miss out!
So, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is heading back to Newark, New Jersey, this Saturday. And let me tell ya, the undercard’s looking pretty spicy. There’s a bunch of fighters itching to bounce back and show what they’re made of.
In the spotlight at the Prudential Center? Cesar Almeida. This guy’s a former kickboxer, and the UFC thinks he’s got what it takes to shake things up at 185 pounds. He’s squaring off against Roman Kopylov, and it’s gonna be a real test to see where Almeida stands.
But wait, there’s more. Down the card at UFC 302, we’ve got Grant Dawson and Joe Solecki potentially going to the mat in the lightweight division. And welterweights Niko Price and Alex Morono are facing off again, seven years after their first clash. Plus, there’s a grudge match between Ailin Perez and Joselyne Edwards at 135 pounds that’s sure to settle some scores.
Now, let’s dive into the UFC 302 prelims preview.
Middleweights in the house: Cesar Almeida (5-0, 1-0 UFC) is going toe-to-toe with Roman Kopylov (12-3, 4-3 UFC). The odds? Almeida’s at -112, Kopylov’s at -108. It’s anyone’s game.
Almeida’s journey from kickboxing to the UFC’s middleweight division is one to watch. His first significant MMA fight on Dana White’s Contender Series was a solid win. Despite a few hiccups in takedown defense, he showed he could scramble and grapple like a pro. Fast forward two months, and Almeida’s UFC debut saw him overcoming an early wrestling challenge from Dylan Budka, leading to a knockout victory. At 36, Almeida’s in a rush to climb the ranks, and Kopylov is the perfect test to see if he’s ready for the big leagues.
Kopylov, on the other hand, had a rocky start in the UFC. Injuries and visa issues kept him from showing his full potential. But just when it seemed like he might be on his way out, he turned things around with a knockout win over Alessio Di Chirico. That victory kicked off a streak of four straight wins. Kopylov’s found a balance between his striking volume and power, making him a more formidable opponent than before. His recent loss to Anthony Hernandez showed he could hang with pressure-heavy grapplers, even in defeat.
This matchup’s tricky. Kopylov’s speed and reach could pose problems for Almeida’s more deliberate, counter-heavy style. Plus, Kopylov’s occasional wrestling could throw Almeida off his game. My money’s on Kopylov to edge out a decision win.
Ready for more? Jump to the next fights: Almeida vs. Kopylov, Dawson vs. Solecki, and so on. There’s a whole lineup waiting for your bets and cheers. Don’t miss UFC 302’s prelims – it’s gonna be a night to remember.