Dustin Jacoby has significanly more experience under the UFC lights than Bruno Lopes. Will that come into play in their UFC on ESPN 68 main card bout?
Dustin Jacoby and Bruno Lopes meet Saturday on the main card of UFC on ESPN 68 at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 3-1
UFC main cards, 2025: 46-39-1
Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes UFC on ESPN 68 preview
Jacoby (20-9-1 MMA, 8-6-1 UFC) will look to keep the momentum rolling after a Performance of the Night knockout of Vitor Petrino in December. The result snapped a two-fight skid. Although he’s gone 3-4 over his last seven, each victory was a bonus-earning finish. … Lopes (14-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) enters his second UFC bout against an octagon veteran. In his debut in January, Lopes won a unanimous decision over Magomed Gadzhiyasulov. The Dana White’s Contender Series veteran is currently on a three-fight winning streak.
Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes UFC on ESPN 68 expert pick, prediction
Filling out the main card is a light heavyweight bout between Jacoby and Lopes.
Although Lopes has a solid record on paper, the opponent and the setting are an undeniable (and undeserved) step down for Jacoby. However, if Jacoby can avoid the trap-fight sensibilities at hand, I think he should roll in this spot.
The smaller octagon of the Apex will likely assist Lopes’ cage-clinching efforts, but I’m not sure he has the speed, skill, or power to stop a guy like Jacoby.
Aside from shoring up his takedown defense and getup abilities, Jacoby has the gas tank and composure to rally on tiring, lesser-experienced foes.
I’ll take Jacoby to pick up the proverbial pack once Lopes drops it, forcing a stoppage via strikes in Round 2.
Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes UFC on ESPN 68 odds
The oddsmakers and the public favor the American fighter, listing Jacoby -210 and Lopes +168 via FanDuel.
Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes UFC on ESPN 68 start time, how to watch
Jacoby and Lopes are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 10:40 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts on ESPN+.
