May 19, 2023 12:57 PM
Ewan Lavender

MMA Preview – Chase Hooper vs Nick Fiore at UFC Fight Night 224

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

CHASE HOOPER VS NICK FIORE FACTS

When is UFC Fight Night 224? Saturday May 20th March, 2023 - 22:00 start (UK)

Where is UFC Fight Night 224? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)

Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 224? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night

What channel is UFC Fight Night 224 on? BT Sport 1

Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 224? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website

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!

CHASE HOOPER VS NICK FIORE LOWDOWN

The ups and downs of Chase Hooper (11-3-1) continue. He is 3-3 in the UFC and when he is able to get the fight to the ground, he looks impeccable as Daniel Teymur (2019), Peter Barrett (2020) and Felipe Colares (2022) found out. However, he continues to get humbled by fighters who can keep the fight on the feet as Alex Caceres (2020), Steven Peterson (2021) and Steve Garcia (2022) proved.

Like Hooper, Nick Fiore (6-1) also arrived to the UFC unbeaten. He had six straight finishes to his name but received a baptism of fire on his UFC debut. He stepped up on short notice in January at UFC Vegas 67 to take on Mateusz Rebecki who was on a 13-fight win streak. He took him all the way to the bell but lost a unanimous decision.

CHASE HOOPER VS NICK FIORE PREDICTION

Hooper’s striking and wrestling continues to improve but it is still off the UFC grade. Fiore does not have a UFC win to his name, but he is already at the level and this is another tough stylistic match-up for the 23 year old.

While the fight stays on the feet, Hooper looks like a fish out of water. His striking is only used as a tool to help set up the takedown, but his wrestling also needs a lot of work.

Fiore is very well-rounded and if the fight does hit the deck, he is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and will be able to hold his own. If he has the ego to tangle, he will give Hooper his only chance.

However, we are backing him to control the fight by defending the takedown and winning the striking battle to convince the judges.

Prediction: Fiore via Decision

Value bet: Fiore via KO/TKO

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