UFC ON ESPN 52: Turner vs. Green 12/2/23 – The UFC Lightweight division will be on display this Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 when Jalin Turner and Bobby Green headline the UFC on ESPN 52 card. This main event matchup between two dynamic strikers has significant implications within the 155-pound rankings, making it a must-see for any MMA predictions tonight. This piece provides an in-depth analysis of both fighters, leading to our pick for this highly anticipated lightweight bout.
UFC ON ESPN 52: Jalin Turner vs. Bobby Green 12/2/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Moody Center, Austin, Texas, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Jalin “The Tarantula” Turner Analysis
Jalin “The Tarantula” Turner enters with a 13-7 record and truly frightening knockout power, landing 5.82 significant strikes per minute with dangerous accuracy. His creative shot selection and lethal southpaw angles have overwhelmed opponents, most recently finishing Brad Riddell in the first round. However, grappling is a hole in his game with just a 55% takedown accuracy. Against a well-rounded veteran like Green, Turner must avoid being put on his back.
At 6’3″ with a 77″ reach, Turner employs his length extremely well, staying at distance while mixing up punishing kicks, knees, and punches. Once he hurts opponents, Turner swarms without mercy, living up to his “Tarantula” moniker. He has stopped skilled strikers like Marc Diakiese and Brad Riddell in under one round each. His killer instinct and versatility make him a threat to any lightweight.
However, Turner has shown vulnerability to pressure and wrestlers over his career. Losses to grappling-based opponents like Matt Frevola and Don Madge exposed Turner’s lack of urgency after being taken down. He also slows down dramatically in later rounds, gassing out against UFC veteran Drew Dober in the third round of their bout. To defeat a well-rounded athlete like Green, Turner must stay off his back while maintaining his dangerous pace.
Bobby “King” Green Analysis
Bobby “King” Green lives up to his moniker with crafty striking and an impressively well-rounded skill set built over 16 years and 33-15-1 record. He has faced the division’s best by mixing up 6.15 significant strikes landed per minute with solid grappling, including 1.21 takedowns per round and stifling 74% takedown defense. He showcased this in his recent win over Al Iaquinta, seamlessly blending punches and kicks with timely takedowns to dominate the action.
Green uses active footwork and head movement to work angles, averaging an excellent 62% striking defense over his long career. He also possesses underrated power with many TKO finishes on his resume, despite lacking one-shot knockout power. While Green doesn’t have many paths to finishing a dangerous striker like Turner, his technical diversity and pace could exploit defensive holes on the feet en route to a decision. His fight IQ and conditioning for five hard rounds built over years of wars make him a resilient matchup for any lightweight.
Jalin Turner vs. Bobby Green Stats
| Turner | Green | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 13-7-0 | 31-14-1 (1 NC) |
| Average Fight Time | 7:31 | 11:33 |
| Height | 6′ 3″ | 5′ 10″ |
| Weight | 155 lbs. | 155 lbs. |
| Reach | 77″ | 71″ |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 5.82 | 6.15 |
| Striking Accuracy | 48% | 52% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 4.61 | 3.66 |
| Defense | 41% | 62% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 0.91 | 1.21 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 55% | 74% |
| Takedown Defense | 75% | 74% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 1.3 | 0.3 |
Jalin Turner vs. Bobby Green Betting Pick
This main event will likely stay standing with both fighters preferring to strike. Turner has more one-punch knockout power, but Bobby Green’s technical diversity and pace could exploit defensive holes. The pick here is Bobby Green via unanimous decision. His defensive responsibility, conditioned pace for five rounds, and threat of timely takedowns seems like the right recipe to frustrate Turner over three rounds and come away with a decision. However, Turner always possesses fight-ending power, making Green the smartest pick for this fight.
Free Pick: Bobby “King” Green +170
In conclusion, our Expert Analysis Picks Bobby Green as the potential victor in this exciting lightweight bout against Jalin Turner at UFC on ESPN 52. Green’s seasoned experience, striking precision, and defensive capabilities position him as a formidable opponent against the taller and younger Turner. This matchup is an intriguing blend of styles and experiences, and Green’s adaptability and tactical intelligence are expected to shine through in what promises to be a captivating contest.