UFC 328 airs this Saturday, live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The main card will feature key matchups pitting dynamic strikers against high-level grapplers. The outcomes will be decided by which fighters can impose their style. There will also be two champions defending their titles for the first time in the co-main and main events. Expect to see entertaining fights throughout, with a bout to take fight of the night honors. Here are the predictions for how UFC 328 will go down:
King Green (34-17-1) Win-Loss-Draw, 1 NC (no-contest) Vs Jeremy “Lil’ Heathen” Stephens (29-22), 1 NC, Lightweight, 3 Rounds
The first fight on the pay-per-view will pit two veterans of the lightweight division, as Green and Stephens have a combined 64 fights in the UFC. Both guys will be looking for a knockout in what should be a pure striking matchup. Green is on a two-fight win streak, including a second-round finish back in February. He is the more defensive fighter and will look to slip and evade shots to set up his attacks. Most of Stephens’ recent combat fighting has actually been in bare-knuckle fighting, so expect him to be confident in striking exchanges and hunt for a power shot with his right hand. Stephens is always dangerous with his power, but the slick style of Green should allow him to land more strikes. Prediction: Green By Decision
Sean Brady (18-2) Vs Joaquin “New Mansa” Buckley (21-7), Welterweight, 3 Rounds
Both fighters are at the top of the welterweight division and will be looking to get back into title contention with a win. Buckley is a dangerous fighter, famous for highlight-reel finishes. The explosiveness and power he generates in his strikes can end a fight instantly, so look for Brady to use his grappling early and often. A key factor will be whether Buckley can defend takedowns and keep the fight standing long enough to land his power shots. Brady will repeatedly test that defense with chain wrestling to try to tire Buckley out and submit him on the ground. Buckley seems to have extra motivation for this one and ultimately lands a knockout shot after surviving Brady’s takedowns. Prediction: Buckley by second-round KO
Alexander “Drago” Volkov (39-11) Vs Waldo “Salsa Boy” Cortes-Acosta (17-2), Heavyweight, 3 Rounds
Cortes-Acosta has been on a roll, winning three straight fights by stoppage. His last win over Derrick Lewis pushed him to number five in the heavyweight rankings. His next test will be the six-foot-seven Volkov, who is 13-5 in the UFC and ranked number two. Who controls the range will be a huge factor in winning the fight. “Salsa Boy’s” best chance will be to apply pressure early and fight in close to land his power shots. Volkov will look to keep his opponent at a distance with technical kickboxing, while mixing in grappling to slow the pace. Cortes-Acosta will have some moments, but Volkov’s experience will help him pull out a victory. Prediction: Volkov by Unanimous Decision
