UFC 295: Lopes vs. Sabatini 11/11/23 – As the city that never sleeps prepares to add another chapter to its storied history of combat sports, Madison Square Garden stands ready to usher in an enthralling featherweight confrontation at UFC 295. On the 11th of November, Diego Lopes and Pat Sabatini will enter the Octagon in a matchup that beckons a deep dive into MMA matchup analysis. Enthusiasts of mixed martial arts are gearing up for what promises to be a tactical battle between two skilled fighters, each carrying a distinctive set of skills that could be the key to victory in this highly anticipated bout.
UFC 295: Lopes vs. Sabatini 11/11/23 – Diego Lopes vs. Pat Sabatini Game Info
| When: | Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 11:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Diego Lopes Analysis
Diego Lopes comes into the fight with a record boasting 22 victories against 6 defeats. His average fight time nearing nine minutes per bout underscores a methodical approach that allows him to navigate the deep waters of a fight effectively. Towering at 5’11” and equipped with a 72″ reach, Lopes holds a physical advantage over many in the featherweight division, providing him with the ability to strike from a distance.
Lopes’ striking, with an average of 2.12 significant strikes landed per minute at a 50% accuracy, suggests a fighter who chooses his shots wisely, although he absorbs a high number of strikes at 4.92 per minute. This indicates a somewhat perilous approach that he compensates for with a prolific submission rate of 5.6 attempts per 15 minutes, showcasing his clear predilection for grappling and submissions over stand-up warfare.
However, his grappling statistics reveal an area of vulnerability, with a takedown defense of merely 33% and no average takedowns per 15 minutes, suggesting a strategy that revolves around pulling opponents into a ground game where he excels in submissions rather than traditional wrestling takedowns.
His recent victory over Tucker highlighted his resilience and ability to apply his grappling prowess to overcome his adversaries. Yet, questions linger about his striking defense, which could be a critical factor in his upcoming bout against a fighter like Sabatini.
Pat Sabatini Analysis
On the opposite side of the Octagon stands Pat Sabatini, holding a record of 18 wins and 4 losses. His average fight time is slightly over nine minutes, indicative of his ability to manage the ebb and flow of the contest with precision. At 5’8″ with a reach of 70″, Sabatini may not have the physical attributes of Lopes, but his stats tell a story of efficiency and defense.
Sabatini lands fewer significant strikes per minute at 1.95 but with a higher accuracy of 59%, reflecting a disciplined striking game. Notably, his strikes absorbed per minute stands at a mere 1.35 with a defense rate of 51%, underlining his capacity to avoid damage while delivering his own offensive output.
In grappling, Sabatini shines with an impressive 3.83 average takedowns per 15 minutes and a takedown accuracy of 45%. Although his takedown defense is relatively low at 42%, his ability to control the fight on the ground is evident in his 1.9 submissions average per 15 minutes.
Sabatini’s recent triumph against Almeida showcased his comprehensive skill set, integrating striking with a dominant grappling game. The blend of tactical acumen and disciplined execution in his fights positions him as a formidable contender in the division.
Diego Lopes vs. Pat Sabatini Stats
| Lopes | Sabatini | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 22-6-0 | 18-4-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 8:57 | 9:08 |
| Height | 5′ 11″ | 5′ 8″ |
| Weight | 145 lbs. | 145 lbs. |
| Reach | 72″ | 70″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 2.12 | 1.95 |
| Striking Accuracy | 50% | 59% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 4.92 | 1.35 |
| Defense | 36% | 51% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 0.00 | 3.83 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 0% | 45% |
| Takedown Defense | 33% | 42% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 5.6 | 1.9 |
Diego Lopes vs. Pat Sabatini Betting Pick
Based on the analysis, the pick here leans towards Pat Sabatini. Despite Lopes’ reach advantage and submission threat, Sabatini’s superior striking defense and efficient takedown game could dictate the pace and location of the fight. If Sabatini can navigate the reach of Lopes and bring the fight to the ground on his terms, he should be able to leverage his grappling advantage to secure a victory.
Free Pick: Pat Sabatini -123
As the anticipation for UFC 295 escalates, the featherweight bout between Diego Lopes and Pat Sabatini is poised to capture the attention of MMA aficionados worldwide. The Expert sports picks point to Pat Sabatini as the favorite to win, given his well-rounded game and defensive prowess. As always, the nature of MMA holds the promise of unpredictability, but the analytical edge rests with Sabatini as he steps into the Octagon to solidify his standing in the featherweight ranks.