On Saturday, August 15th, the UFC 330 event takes place in Philadelphia. Headlining the card are two title fights, with champions Mackenzie Dern and Islam Makhachev looking to defend their crowns for the first time. Opposing them are two strong challengers with skill sets capable of pulling an upset.
Other familiar faces on the main card include strikers Edison Barbosa and Jalin Turner. UFC 330 has the championship stakes, elite grappling, and dynamic striking that will get fight fans excited. Here is who to expect to come out on top:
Edson “Junior” Barboza (24-14) Versus Esteban “El Gringo” Ribovics (15-3), 3 Rounds At Lightweight
Barboza is a veteran in the UFC, known for spectacular finishes (spinning wheel kick knockout against Terry Etim standing out)across 32 fights in the promotion. He is dangerous even at 40, with devastating power in his feet and knees.
Barboza will be tested against Ribovics, an aggressive fighter ready to push a high pace. “El Gringo” will be constantly advancing to take away any space that allows Barboza to use his strengths.
Ribovics’ heavy hands and volume will lead to a decision win, overwhelming his opponent from start to finish. Prediction: Ribovics By Unanimous Decision
Mansur Abdul-Malik (9-1-1) Versus Dustin Stoltzfus (16-8), 3 Rounds At Middleweight
Abdul-Malik is an exciting prospect, combining a division one level wrestling background with scary knockout power. He is looking to get back to his aggressive style after succumbing to the pressure of being perfect in his last fight.
Stoltzfus has the grappling ability to make it competitive on the ground should Abdul-Malik take it there, but he will have trouble dealing with this opponent, who holds the speed and power advantage.
Abdul-Malik will come out aggressively to take control of the fight early. Stoltzfus will not be able to keep him away and will wilt under the constant pressure by round 2. Prediction: Abdul-Malik by Second-Round TKO
Jalin “The Tarantula” Turner (15-9) Versus Kauê Fernandes (11-2), 3 Rounds At Lightweight
This contest is a battle of dangerous strikers looking for a highlight finish. Turner is a nightmare at range for opponents because of his height. Standing at 6’3, “The Tarantula” has the legit one-shot finishing power to hurt anyone who cannot handle his reach and distance control.
Fernandes is a Muay Thai striker with crippling low kicks and is also strong in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. While he prefers to stand and trade with his opponents, his best path to victory will have to include mixing in some grappling.
The leg kicks will be the tool to help neutralize Turner’s tall frame and close the distance, but can Fernandes avoid getting caught with power shots enough to use the game plan?
Fernandes will have some success in the fight, but the experience and talent of Turner will lead to a knockout. Prediction: Turner By Third-Round KO
