It’s time to release our UFC Fight Night predictions. Using industry-leading tools, data and best UFC Fight Night odds, let’s get on with it by providing our Diego Lopes-Gavin Tucker pick and prediction.
Moving to the featherweight division, Diego Lopes takes on Gavin Tucker as a -130 favorite. After a loss on the Contender Series, Lopes took on Movsar Evloev on just five days’ notice. While he lost via decision, Lopes performed above expectations. On the other side, Tucker enters the fight fresh off a loss to Dan Ige in March of 2021. With over two years away from the game, he will look to right the ship.
Looking for other UFC Fight Night predictions? There’s a lot more going on than just our Diego Lopes-Gavin Tucker pick, prediction and odds. Use our industry-leading best bets tool to get ahead! If you’re looking for the DFS side of things, Stokastic has MMA projections, UFC ownership, and UFC top fighters data!
UFC Fight Night Predictions: Diego Lopes-Gavin Tucker Pick
Best UFC Fight Night Bets: Diego Lopes vs. Gavin Tucker Odds
Diego Lopes: -130 | Gavin Tucker: +110
Lopes comes from a Brazilian jiu-jitsu background, where he coaches Irene Aldana. He has a 21-6 professional record with eight wins coming via knockout and 11 by submission. Lopes has been knocked out twice, which should be the main concern across his fights. His stats are particularly difficult to evaluate in the UFC, with losses to quality opponents in Evloev and Joanderson Brito. He has allowed seven takedowns and defends them at just 36% through these two bouts. Lopes has not landed any takedowns, but he has attempted seven submissions. On the feet, he lands just 2.26 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 5.24. While Lopes specializes in submission grappling, he has lost plenty of rounds chasing those very submissions. He is one of the toughest evaluations on the card.
On the other side, Tucker has a background in a variety of mixed martial arts. He has a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but he also participated in taekwondo and judo prior to transitioning into mixed martial arts. Tucker averages 2.98 takedowns per bout while defending them at 53%. On the feet, he lands 4.39 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 4.28. Tucker has a 13-2 professional record. He has four knockouts and six submissions. Tucker has been knocked out once, but his durability generally holds up.
Tucker has a significantly more difficult strength of schedule, now complicated by a long layoff. With that said, he should have a wrestling and striking advantage over specialist Lopes. While Tucker needs to avoid the submission game of Lopes, his well-rounded skills should pay off at -130.
