UFC Fight Night: Asu Almabayev vs Jose Ochoa Preview & Prediction
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Asu Almabayev vs Jose Ochoa: Ranked wrestler meets hard-hitting prospect in flyweight showdown
An intriguing clash of styles awaits in the flyweight division as Kazakhstan’s Asu Almabayev looks to hold his place in the rankings against fast-rising Peruvian prospect Jose Ochoa. With one man leaning on control and experience and the other thriving on aggression and finishing power, this one promises action from the start.
Asu Almabayev vs Jose Ochoa facts
What time are Asu Almabayev and Jose Ochoa expected to walk out?
Where is UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs de Ridder? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs de Ridder? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC on ABC 9
What TV channel is UFC on ABC 9 on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+ (undercard) & ABC (main card)
Where can I stream UFC on ABC 9? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs de Ridder main card
Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder (Middleweight)
Petr Yan vs Marcus McGhee (Bantamweight)
Sharabutdin Magomedov vs Marc-Andre Barriault (Middleweight)
Asu Almabayev vs Jose Ochoa (Flyweight)
Nikita Krylov vs Bogdan Guskov (Light Heavyweight)
UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs de Ridder prelims
Bryce Mitchell vs Said Nurmagomedov (Bantamweight)
Muslim Salikhov vs Carlos Leal Miranda (Welterweight)
Davey Grant vs Da'Mon Blackshear (Bantamweight)
Amanda Ribas vs Tabatha Ricci (Women’s Strawweight)
Ibo Aslan vs Billy Elekana (Light Heavyweight)
Mohammad Yahya vs Steven Nguyen (Featherweight)
Martin Buday vs Marcus Buchecha (Heavyweight)
Asu Almabayev: Physical wrestler looking to reassert himself
Asu Almabayev (21-3) has carved out a name as a strong, pressure-heavy wrestler with excellent control and pacing. The 31-year-old Kazakh fighter made his way to the UFC after an extensive and dominant regional run and quickly made an impression with four consecutive victories, including a submission over Ode Osbourne and a decision win against Matheus Nicolau. Those wins propelled him into the flyweight top 10.
In his most recent outing, however, Almabayev was stopped by Manel Kape — an elite striker with creativity and speed. The bout stirred some controversy due to potential eye pokes, but the result nonetheless marked Almabayev’s first UFC loss. Stylistically, Almabayev is at his best when pressuring forward and implementing his grappling — but he has struggled when forced onto the back foot.
Jose Ochoa: Red-hot finisher out to shake up the rankings
Jose Ochoa (8-1) may only be two fights into his UFC career, but the 24-year-old has already turned heads. With a 100% finish rate — including seven knockouts — Ochoa brings rare power for the flyweight division. After dropping a decision to top prospect Lone’er Kavanagh in his debut, he bounced back in style with a knockout win over Cody Durden.
Fighting out of Brazil’s famed Chute Boxe camp, Ochoa’s style is all-action. He starts quickly, throws with intent, and looks to close the show early. While his takedown defence hasn’t been fully tested at this level, he’s shown composure and athleticism that suggest he won’t fold easily under pressure.
Asu Almabayev vs Jose Ochoa prediction
This is a dangerous match-up for Almabayev. While his wrestling could prove decisive, Ochoa’s knockout power — combined with his speed and intensity — make him a serious threat, particularly in the early rounds. Almabayev is coming off a loss and may be more hesitant, which could play into the hands of a fighter like Ochoa who wastes no time getting started.
If Almabayev can't assert his wrestling early, Ochoa’s striking may find a home.
Prediction: Jose Ochoa to win by KO/TKO
