MMA Preview – Chase Hooper vs Viacheslav Borshchev at UFC on ESPN 56
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
CHASE HOOPER VS VIACHESLAV BORSHCHEV FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 56? Saturday 11th May, 2024 - 22:00 (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 56? Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Missouri (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 56? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ESPN
What channel is UFC on ESPN 56 on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 56? 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!
CHASE HOOPER VS VIACHESLAV BORSHCHEV LOWDOWN
Chase Hooper (13-3-1) is currently riding the biggest win streak of his UFC career. He has experienced alternate wins and losses since Alex Caceres inflicted his first loss and derailing the hype train in the process. However, after Steve Garcia (2022) TKO’d him, he moved up to lightweight and outpointed Nick Fiore (2023) and submitted Jordan Leavitt (2023).
Viacheslav Borshchev (7-3-1) is yet to reach the dizzy heights of a two-fight UFC win streak. He has had some tough fights in fairness and has not lost since 2022 when Mike Davis outpointed him. He pulled off a vintage knockout over Maheshate Hayisaer (2023) and fought to a draw with Nazim Sadykhov (2023) to take his UFC tally to 2-2-1.
CHASE HOOPER VS VIACHESLAV BORSHCHEV PREDICTION
On paper, this is a classic striker vs grappler match-up. Hooper has exceptional jiu-jitsu whereas Borshchev is a kickboxer by trade.
Borshchev has struggled against strong wrestlers and exposed weak strikers on the feet. Hooper is not a strong wrestler and is nowhere near the same level when it comes to striking.
That said, his wrestling is improving, and he will be relentless in his takedown attempts. His jiu-jitsu is so dangerous that he only needs one opening to pounce on the back and find a submission.
Borshchev has been taken 28 times in his six UFC fights. For that reason alone, Hooper is worth a punt as the underdog. However, Borshchev’s takedown defence is improving and his get-up game is strong. We feel he can create the space he needs to find a knockout, but a Hooper submission is the smart pick.
Prediction: Borshchev via KO/TKO
Value bet: Hooper via Submission
