MMA Preview – Cesar Almeida vs Roman Kopylov at UFC 302
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CESAR ALMEIDA VS ROMAN KOPYLOV FACTS
When is UFC 302? Sunday 1st June, 2024 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 302? Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 302? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 302
What channel is UFC 302 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC 302? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
CESAR ALMEIDA VS ROMAN KOPYLOV LOWDOWN
The kickboxing star Cesar Almeida (5-0) is ready to stamp his name on the MMA map. He made four appearances while kickboxing around the world. He picked up three knockouts before a unanimous decision over Lucas Fernando (2023) on the Contender Series. That earnt him a debut against Dylan Budka (2024) at UFC Fight Night 240 and it could not have gone much better knocking him out in the second round in a ‘Performance of the Night’ display.
Fellow striker Roman Kopylov (12-3) welcomes him to the pay-per-view arena. He earnt two ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses in a superb four-fight knockout streak. He collected the scalps of Alessio Di Chirico (2022), Punahele Soriano (2023), Claudio Ribeiro (2023) and Josh Fremd (2023). He then met grappler Anthony Hernandez (2024) who humbled him with a second-round rear-naked choke to go 4-3 in the UFC.
CESAR ALMEIDA VS ROMAN KOPYLOV PREDICTION
Despite the fact that Almeida has blasted through all of his MMA opponents so far, this is a much better match-up for Kopylov. The kickboxer will want nothing more than to stand and bang which Kopylov will welcome with both fists and feet as a former kickboxer himself.
Kopylov will grateful that he does not have to worry about his porous takedown defence and will oblige in a high-level striking contest. That is exactly what Almeida who will have a lot of confidence with more kickboxing experience.
However, Kopylov has a lot more MMA experience which should make all the difference. He is at home in the octagon with smaller gloves and also has a takedown in the locker. We are backing the Russian to come out on top with his speed and body kicks swaying from the judges.
Prediction: Kopylov via Decision
Value Bet: Kopylov via KO/TKO
