August 19, 2022 1:28 PM
Ewan Lavender

MMA Preview – Marcin Tybura vs Alexander Romanov at UFC 278

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

MARCIN TYBURA VS ALEXANDER ROMANOV FACTS

When is UFC 278? Sunday 21st August, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)

Where is UFC 278? Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah (US)

Where can I get tickets for UFC 278? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 278

What channel is UFC 278 on? BT Sport 1

Where can I stream UFC 278? 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!

MARCIN TYBURA VS ALEXANDER ROMANOV LOWDOWN

Marcin Tybura’s (22-7) best run finally came to an end back in October when he crossed paths with Alexander Volkov. He was riding an impressive five-fight win streak which included unanimous decisions over Sergey Spivak (2020), Maxim Grishin (2020) and Ben Rothwell (2020) before earning two ‘Performances of the Night’ bonuses by knocking out Greg Hardy (2020) and Walt Harris (2021). The Russian stopped him in his tracks stuffing 16 takedowns and displaying his striking prowess to walk away with a unanimous decision. Now, Tybura has a very different matchup in Salt Lake City.

Alexander Romanov (16-0) has King Kong’d his way through every opponent with his freakish power and grappling. He was gifted kind matchups for his first two UFC fights, submitting Roque Martinez (2020) and Marcos Rogerio de Lima (2020) and then had his toughest test by far. He met fellow grappling powerhouse Juan Espino (2021) and managed to convince two of the judges. He has since racked up two more vintage finishes in TKOing Jared Vanderaa (2021) and submitting Chase Sherman back in April.

MARCIN TYBURA VS ALEXANDER ROMANOV PREDICTION

This is not a great matchup for Tybura. He is well-rounded but his strengths undeniably lie in his grappling and Romanov is a behemoth of a man with the power to nullify the wrestling and jiu-jitsu of the Pole.

Tybura has the advantage when it comes experience and skillset however, we feel the Moldovan’s tenacity and raw power will enable him to win the wrestling exchanges to earn control time in the clinch and even land in top position where he can unleash devastating ground-and-pound while pouncing on submissions.

Tybura also gives up position too easily and unless he can make it into the third round when Romanov will inevitably gas, it will be a tough night for him. We are backing King Kong to get the job done before it gets there.

Prediction: Romanov via KO/TKO - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)

Value Bet: Tybura to win

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