It’s time to release our UFC 291 predictions. Using industry-leading tools, data and best UFC 291 odds, let’s get on with it by providing our Roman Kopylov-Claudio Ribeiro pick and prediction.
Roman Kopylov will take on Claudio Ribeiro as a -225 favorite this weekend. Kopylov is 2-2 in the UFC, but he won each of his last two fights. Most recently, he defeated Punahele Soriano by knockout in January. On the other side, Ribeiro is 1-1 in the UFC, with an additional win on the Contender Series. Most recently, he knocked out Joseph Holmes in May of this year.
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UFC 291 Predictions: Roman Kopylov-Claudio Ribeiro Pick
Roman Kopylov-Claudio Ribeiro Odds
Roman Kopylov: -225 | Claudio Ribeiro: +185
Roman Kopylov comes from a sambo background, but he has developed a strong mixed martial arts game to this point. He lands 4.54 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 3.96. On the ground, he averages 0.62 takedowns per bout. Kopylov has a strong defensive game, including 60% striking defense and 89% takedown defense. At 10-2 overall, Kopylov has nine knockouts and has been submitted just once, which came against UFC stalwart Karl Roberson.
On the other side, Claudio Ribeiro also comes from a strong striking background. At 11-3, Ribeiro has nine knockout wins to his name. He has been knocked out once and submitted once. On the feet, he lands 4.22 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 2.39. He also averages 1.05 takedowns per bout and defends them at 75%. Ribeiro does not have the best strength of schedule, which makes him a liability.
Our final Roman Kopylov-Claudio Ribeiro pick: Kopylov has fought the better opponents and should have the cleaner striking. Ribeiro does utilize a lot of leg kicks, which could help neutralize some of Kopylov’s strengths. Kopylov deserves to be favored. However, the odds look a little long, putting some value on Ribeiro at +185 as an underdog.
