Latest news with #TUF32
USA Today
05-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin prediction, pick, start time for UFC on ESPN 65
Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin meet Saturday in the main card opener of UFC on ESPN 65 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. Last event: 3-3 UFC main cards, 2025: 25-22-1 Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin UFC on ESPN 65 preview Finney (10-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) needed a ridiculous three wins on DWCS before he got a UFC contract. Now he brings his unbeaten record and wrestling credentials to a debut against Valentin (10-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC), who was finished in his official promotional debut this past August by Ryan Yoder in the 'TUF 32' middleweight final. Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin UFC on ESPN 65 expert pick, prediction Death, taxes and the UFC matchmakers force-feeding us middleweights on Fight Night main cards. In this case, the promotion has opted for a lead-in with lesser-proven commodities in Robert Valentin and Torrez Finney – despite having proven bantamweight action fighters stuck on the prelims. I'll be curious to see if Valentin can show off any potential improvements after his time spent training at Bang Tao Muay Thai, but I suspect that Finney presents a tough stylistic ask. Say what you will about Finney's short stature, but the 26-year-old American knows where his bread is buttered and isn't afraid to work toward his A game. Finney, who is a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, also shows a solid flow on the mat – making me think he'll be able to clear whatever submission threats Valentin presents. The pick is Finney by unanimous decision. Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin UFC on ESPN 65 odds The oddsmakers and the public favor the American fighter, listing Finney (-280) and Valentin (+220) via FanDuel. Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin UFC on ESPN 65 start time, how to watch Finney and Valentin are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 9:15 p.m. ET. The fight airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+. For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC on ESPN 65.
USA Today
05-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Azamat Bekoev vs. Ryan Loder heads to UFC Des Moines
Two rising middleweight prospects will collide hoping to further momentum from successful UFC debuts. Former LFA champion Azamat Bekoev (19-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC) will meet 'The Ultimate Fighter 32' winner Ryan Loder (7-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) in a three-round middleweight bout May 3 at a UFC Fight Night event expected to take place in Des Moines, Iowa. Two people with knowledge of the matchup informed MMA Junkie of the matchup Wednesday but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. Bekoev, 29, had an explosive promotional debut in January when he knocked out Zach Reese in the first round at UFC 311, in a fight he took on days' notice. The win extended Bekoev's winning streak to seven, a stretch that also included an LFA title win and two defenses. Loder, 33, won the 'TUF 32' middleweight tournament with a TKO of Robert Valentin in the final, after exhibition wins over Tom Theocharis and Omran Chaaban. With the addition, the UFC Des Moines lineup includes:
