MMA Preview – Asu Almabayev vs Jose Johnson at UFC on ESPN 58

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
ASU ALMABAYEV VS JOSE JOHNSON FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 58? Sunday 16th June, 2024 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 58? UFC Apex, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 58? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC on ESPN 58 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 58? 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!
ASU ALMABAYEV VS JOSE JOHNSON LOWDOWN
Asu Almabaev (19-2) is part of the new Kazakhstani crop of talented fighters. He arrived to the UFC riding a 13-fight win streak last year and has already extended that to 15. He submitted Ode Osbourne (2023) on debut and followed that up with a unanimous decision over CJ Vergara (2024) at UFC 299.
Jose Johnson (16-8) has now been handed the prospect as a reward for winning his first UFC fight. He met Da’Mon Blackshear (2023) for his UFC debut and got tangled up in the first round tapping to a sublime twister. However, he returned to UFC Fight Night 232 and reeled off a submission of his own wrapping Chad Anheliger (2023) up in a rear-naked choke.
ASU ALMABAYEV VS JOSE JOHNSON PREDICTION
Johnson drops down to flyweight to make use of his long frame. At 6’0” he is a giant for the division and will boast a six-inch height and reach advantage over Almabayev.
Almabayev will try and nullify that advantage by closing the distance, unleashing in the pocket and dumping him on his back. The Kazakhstani is dangerous everywhere and his wrestling should be the difference here.
If Almabayev decides to stand and trade, Johnson has a great chance and he will tower above him. He can keep him at a distance and hurt from range. That said, Almabayev is too smart to take that risk and we expect him to drag Johnson to the ground and eventually find a submission.
Prediction: Almabayev via Submission
Value Bet: Johnson to win