MMA Preview – Raul Rosas Jr vs Ricky Turcios at UFC on ESPN 57
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RAUL ROSAS JR VS RICKY TURCIOS FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 57? Saturday 8th June, 2024 - 23:00 (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 57? KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, Kentucky (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 57? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ESPN
What channel is UFC on ESPN 57 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 57? 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!
RAUL ROSAS JR VS RICKY TURCIOS LOWDOWN
Raul Rosas Jr (8-1) replied perfectly after the first defeat of his career. The hype train was full steam ahead after he mauled and submitted Jay Perrin (2022) on his debut becoming the youngest fighter to ever compete in the UFC. He then met Christian Rodriguez (2023) and gassed out losing a unanimous decision. The critics lined up, but he hushed them at UFC Fight Night 227 by pounding out Terrance Mitchell (2023) in the first round.
Ricky Turcios (12-3) wants to keep the hype train off the tracks and build his own momentum after not fighting since November 2022. He has only fought twice since beating Brady Heistand (2021) in The Ultimate Fighter finale. He lost his second UFC fight via unanimous decision to Aiemann Zahabi (2022) but bounced back with a split decision over Kevin Natividad (2022).
RAUL ROSAS JR VS RICKY TURCIOS PREDICTION
Rosas was suited and booted for the walk at UFC Mexico back in February but essentially passed out in the changing room. This should be an experience he can learn from just like the Rodriguez fight.
He highlighted how inexperienced he was, but these are lessons every fighter needs. Turcios has all the attributes to provide another tough lesson and if he struggles to make weight again, this will be a very tough test for the young gun.
Rosas comes out the gate like a bull and does not pace himself. He will cause chaos by swinging for the dome to close the distance and shoot in for the takedown and unleash his lethal jiu-jitsu.
However, Turcios is also a good grappler and particularly dangerous in the scramble. He has a larger gas tank, and we can easily see a frenetic first round of scrambles and exchanging positions on the mat.
Rosas has the skill and explosiveness to hurt Turcios on the feet and pounce on a submission. However, if he does not pace himself, Turcios will overwhelm him with his volume in the second and third round.
Considering Turcios is a huge underdog and Rosas’ previous botched weight cut, he is the smart pick. However, he has fully recovered and we expect his power and chain takedowns to lead to a finish.
Prediction: Rosas via Submission
Value bet: Turcios to win
