Bryce Mitchell and Ilia Topuria will put their undefeated tags on the line as they open the main card at UFC 282 this weekend inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Decemeber 10. The UFC featherweight will throw down in what promises to be an exciting match-up between two up-and-coming UFC fighters. Both Mitchell and Topuria are seen as exciting new prospects with the potential of being future UFC Champions.
This weekend, however, one of them will take the backseat with the better fighter getting his hands raised at UFC 282 after everything is said and done. Mitchell will step inside the Octagon as the #9 ranked UFC featherweight on the back of a dominant win over Edson Barboza.
Someone’s 0 must go!@ThugnastyMMA & @TopuriaIlia open the main card in a battle of the unbeaten 👊
[ #UFC282 | Tomorrow | Live on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/vZGZfAJS5g ] pic.twitter.com/j7A9vFpmOn
— UFC (@ufc) December 10, 2022
Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria is currently ranked #14 in the division, with his last fight at featherweight resulting in a KO win over BJJ veteran Ryan Hall. Topuria’s last outing was in the UFC’s lightweight division where he picked up a KO win over Jai Herbert earlier this year. The bout marked Topuria‘s lightweight debut.
Bryce Mitchell vs Ilia Topuria stats
Stats | Bryce Mitchell | Ilia Topuria |
---|---|---|
Wins | 15 | 12 |
Losses | 0 | 0 |
Height | 1.75 m | 1.70 m |
Division | Featherweight | Featherweight |
Reach | 178 cm | 175 cm |
Age | 28 | 25 |
UFC 282: Bryce Mitchell vs Ilia Topuria prediction
It won’t be wrong to say that Bryce Mitchell vs Ilia Topuria is one of the most competitive match-ups on the entire card. It’s no secret that Mitchell is a seasoned grappler who likes to take his opponents to deep waters. Moreoever, his sneaky overhands and leg kick come in pretty handy whenever he steps inside the cage. Mitchell is a great grappler and very crafty on the ground and while he may not have been able to get a submission win in his last three fights, his ability to drown his opponents is next to none.
I fear no man.
— Bryce Mitchell (@ThugnastyMMA) December 9, 2022
As for Ilia Topuria, the Georgian fighter’s true power lies in his hands. While there’s no denying Topuria’s BJJ black belt credentials, and his equally good grappling, it is truly his knockout power that has put the entire UFC roster on notice. Moreover, his tenacity to engage in slugfest is a scary quality to have with talent both on the feet and on the ground.
One can certainly assume Topuria won’t be scared to take the fight to the ground if the situation arises. Moreoever, he will likely try to sneak in a submission, something Brad Katona has already shown us against Bryce Mitchell back at The Ultimate Fighter. However, he will have to be careful not to leave positions and end up like Edson Barboza to a grueling Bryce Mitchell.
IT’S FIGHT DAY 🌹💯#laliga #ufc #elmatador pic.twitter.com/IZONcqYnkE
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) December 10, 2022
If Topuria can survive the first two rounds and show great movement in the form of scrambles and submission threats, it’s likely Topuria gets the job done on the feet in the third round. However, it will be easier said than done. But we think Topuria got it!
Bryce Mitchell vs Ilia Topuria prediction: Ilia Topuria via TKO (Round 3)