MMA Preview – Gavin Tucker vs Diego Lopes at UFC on ESPN 50
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
GAVIN TUCKER VS DIEGO LOPES 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!
GAVIN TUCKER VS DIEGO LOPES LOWDOWN
We have not seen Gavin Tucker (13-2) for over two years. He was building some momentum in 2020 by submitting Seung Woo Choi (2019) and Justin Jaynes (2020) before earning a unanimous decision over Billy Quarantillo (2020). However, he then ran into a Dan Ige-shaped wall and got flatlined in 22 seconds and we have not seen him since.
Diego Lopes (21-6) welcomes him back fresh after his UFC debut. It was not the debut he wanted but he gave a good account of himself stepping up on short notice to take on the unbeaten Movsar Evloev (2023). He took him all the way to the bell but lost a unanimous decision to halt a two-fight knockout streak.
GAVIN TUCKER VS DIEGO LOPES PREDICTION
This should be an exciting scrap and a better opportunity for Lopes to get his UFC campaign up and running. He will boast a significant six-inch reach and five-inch height advantage.
Despite losing his debut, he proved he is UFC calibre by causing Evloev problems on the feet and almost catching him in an armbar. He is a quality striker with exceptional jiu jitsu however, the hole in his game is Tucker’s strength.
The Canadian forces a fast pace with his wrestling and sets up his takedowns with striking. We expect him to be able to take Lopes down, but he will have to defend a lot of submission attempts.
The Brazilian also has suspect striking defence and we can Tucker catching him making the takedown easier. However, he is 37 years old now and not won a fight since 2020 up against the young and hungry Lopes who has been more active.
We are backing Lopes, but Tucker is the value pick.
Prediction: Lopes via Decision
Value bet: Tucker to win
