UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Aspinall

The official Tapology discussion thread for the event!

Can we take a moment to realize that Jai Herbert got put into the lions den (although he probably should've beat Trinaldo due to his skill level) for his first two fights and then gets put into a fight for a roster spot and shows he's levels ahead of the bottom of his weight class. After all of that, he gets potentially a future champ on short notice with fantastic grappling and probably will lose this fight. I doubt they will cut him after this fight, but now he will probably be in another position to fight for a roster spot when he's definitely good enough to crack the top 15 in a couple years.

I wouldn’t say his game “belongs on a regional show”. He’s definitely ufc caliber just not nearly as good as people hype him up to be. Ilia whoops him in every aspect of mma tho

Anyone know if wood is getting another opponent, if so who could it be? 

@ryanq I said this earlier in the thread but the people who have offered thus far are Sam creasey and Davey grant. Another option would be to pull someone from the cage warriors card this week

@ayy none of the **** you say on here makes sense😂 
Ilia didn’t finish zalal, that’s a fact
You legit just go on here to argue with people, loser 

@ayy for someone who spends there life on here I would have thought your prediction % would be above 70 at least 😂

Oh no my ufc pick rate isn’t 70% how will I ever survive

Anyone can have a high pick rate if they just cherry-pick ********.

I complain about the ****** judges every weekend, but if it weren't for them and their split decisions then my prediction rate would probably be like below 40% lol

@ayyLmaonnaise thanks for letting me know man, must of not seen your earlier post, cheers for keeping me updated 

I hope Volkov loses. By choke would be the best

They are treating Pimblet like a baby giving him perfect matches so he can win, yet he acts like he owns the ufc. He'll bark a lot but somehow he will dodge more difficult fights. 

He's basically just getting the Darren Till treatment. They'll milk him for all he's worth before running out of people to feed him in way of favourable matchups.

Typical ********* scouser.

Not sure why so many people think Hookers weight cut is going badly, looks on track to me

Also genuinely interested in knowing if people think Herbert has a chance here.

I have a lot of parlays tied to Topuria so keen to know.

I personally think Topuria is going to steamroll him but my only worry is if he gets tired, still I expect him to get a finish before then.

100% Herbert has a chance. Most of the people on here saying Topuria is going to win, have alot of **** house predictions Ive noticed in the last 2 months so I definitely don't trust their opinion. 

Interesting, curious to know your reasoning? Is it just the size? Or is it a skill based argument?

It's a combination of factors. Size advantage, big reach advantage, has 20000 supporting him in his backyard and come fight day Jai will be alot heavier than Ilia as well. Topuria is a lil weapon but he hasn't fought any tough opponents yet. Hall and Jackson, they are average fighters and I think this will be Topurias biggest test yet

* Edited at 03.17.2022, 6:37 AM ET *

Volkov vs. Aspinall
Alexander Volkov, DEC
I am surprised Volkov is not the favorite..Tom Aspinall is not an ngannou, he has never been tested!

Making a few changes to my early predictions.

1. Aspinall Dec
I don't expect many to agree with me on this one. But I definitely think Aspinall will win being the faster and more skilled striker. Yes I do think he is more skilled than Volkov and also has a good grappling game. A lot of people seem to think Volkov can't be taken down, but I'd counter that with the fact that Aspinall plays rugby. And his take downs could be very different to traditional wrestlers take downs. Also unless Aspinall gets a submission I am not certain now that he KOs Volkov. I feel there is more than a small chance this goes the distance, and the only reason people don't seem to think Aspinall can go 5 rounds is because they have not seen him do it before. I think a 5 round Aspinall decision is really on the cards. Either way I am picking Aspinall to win.

2. Hooker Dec
I am a lot less worried about Hooker's weight cut than a lot of people. I think he is going to make weight fine. Of course he will not be 100% on fight day, especially with the long flight, but who ever is at 100%? I think his size and reach and strength will be too much against a very skilled Arnold. I think Hookers leg kicks could play a big part here too to take away Allens movement. Expecting a close, good fight with Hooker winning a close decision.

3. Pimblett Sub
I think Vargas is not UFC level. They know what they are doing. This is a setup match for Paddy against a slower, less skilled opponent who will be lost on the ground. This should be a finish.

4. Nelson Sub
Main worry is the reason Nelson was out for so long was 2 bad rib injuries which took a long time to heal. Not sure what effect that will have on his wrestling and grappling but I am really hoping he is back to his usual self. If he is I expect this to hit the ground at some point, and when it does then it should be a submission. Nelson is very high level on the ground and Sato has lost by submission more than once.

5. McCann KO
I am actually very confident about McCann winning now. Almost a lock for me. Having watched her previous fights now I do not think Luana is good at all. Also do not think Molly will spend too much time wrestling, this will mainly be on the feet and I think Molly can actually finish her.

6. Topuria Sub
Herbert is of course much bigger but if Topuria gets it to the floor even once I think its game over.

7. Grundy Dec
Changed my pick here going back to my policy of picking on better cardio when I am not sure of the outcome. I think Grundy will get it done because Makhwan will get tired. 

8. Pavlovich KO
Abdulrakhimov is too slow and too hittable. As long as Pavlovich does not get taken down to his back this should be an easy win.

9. Krylov Dec
Craig will likely get outstruck and outwrestled by Krylov. Craig probably has to get a submission to win this and if he is on his back I do not think he will get this against Krylov. 

10. Shore Sub
I have never been impressed with Valiev. I do not like his wrestling or grappling but I do think his striking is pretty good. He is chinny though, and I think Shore will be bigger, stronger, too fast and too skilled. I actually think there is a good chance he can catch Valiev with a strike, stun him then take his neck.

11. McKenna Dec
Changed my pick after watching McKennas wrestling. It's really quite good. And as much as I think Reed could be under rated here I am now confident McKenna takes a decision with her wrestling and grappling.

12. Mokaev Sub
I think Mokaev will tire out Durdan with his wrestling and then get a late submission. I think there is a reason this is the first fight of the night and I think the UFC expects a finish here too.