MMA Preview – Dustin Jacoby vs Kennedy Nzechukwu at UFC on ESPN 50
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
DUSTIN JACOBY VS KENNEDY NZECHUKWU FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 50? Sunday 6th August, 2023 - 00:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 50? Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 50? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC on ESPN 50 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 50? 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!
DUSTIN JACOBY VS KENNEDY NZECHUKWU LOWDOWN
Dustin Jacoby (18-7-1) is desperate to get back into the win column after suffering back-to-back losses. He quietly crawled up the light heavyweight rankings after going unbeaten in his first seven UFC fights. After starching Da Un Jung (2022) he went on to lose a split decision to Khalil Rountree Jr (2022) and then a unanimous one to Azamat Murzakanov back in April to paddle in unfamiliar territory.
Now he meets Kennedy Nzechukwu (12-3) who is in the form of his life. His UFC future was uncertain after he got knocked out by Jung (2021) and outpointed by Nicolae Negumereanu (2022). However, he has stepped up his game to knock out Karl Roberson (2022) and Ion Cutelaba (2022) before submitting Devin Clark back in May.
DUSTIN JACOBY VS KENNEDY NZECHUKWU PREDICTION
Nzechukwu has all the form as well as a seven-inch in reach advantage. He uses it well keeping opponents at the end of his jab and has good killer instinct when he hurts his opponents.
The striking exchanges will be interesting as Jacoby is a seasoned kickboxer and all-round high-level striker. He has better technique and is more cerebral setting up traps. However, Nzechukwu is more explosive and powerful. He has all the confidence and continues to improve whereas we feel we have seen the best out of Jacoby.
Nzechukwu also has the ability to control Jacoby in the clinch to mix up his attack and impress the judges. It is hard to back against the kickboxer when the majority of the fight will play out on the feet and there is value on him as the underdog.
However, he took a lot of damage on the feet from Murzakanov in his last fight and Nzechukwu is only getting better. We are backing the younger, taller man but would be surprised if he can finish Jacoby.
Prediction: Nzechukwu via Decision
Value bet: Jacoby to win
