UFC ON ESPN 52: Soriano vs. Stoltzfus 12/2/23 – On Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, UFC on ESPN 52 will go down at the Moody Center, Austin, Texas, USA. The main event features an exciting middleweight bout between Punahele Soriano and Dustin Stoltzfus. This free MMA game advice delves into their fight records, striking and grappling capabilities, and overall fighting styles. This in-depth analysis aims to provide an informed perspective on the bout, assisting fans and bettors in understanding what to expect when these two warriors collide.
UFC ON ESPN 52: Punahele Soriano vs. Dustin Stoltzfus 12/2/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Moody Center, Austin, Texas, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Punahele “Puna” Soriano Analysis
Punahele “Puna” Soriano enters this fight with a 9-3 professional record and impressive striking numbers, landing 4.04 significant strikes per minute with 45% striking accuracy. He is coming off back-to-back losses to top 15 ranked middleweights Roman Kopylov. In that fight, Soriano struggled with defending takedowns and avoiding damage in grappling exchanges after being outmatched physically.
Looking closer at his skill set, Soriano does his best work when he can keep fights standing and utilize his slick boxing. He possesses impressive hand speed and precise footwork, working behind a piston-like jab and damaging left hand. Six of his nine wins have come via KO/TKO with his pinpoint striking. On the feet, he targets his opponent’s head with vicious combinations until he can land a fight-ending blow.
However, grappling is a clear weak point for Soriano. He only stops 30% of takedown attempts and his lack of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training is apparent. Once on his back, he is often overwhelmed by more experienced ground specialists. He has not attempted a single submission in his UFC run. His path to victory relies completely on out-striking opponents.
Dustin Stoltzfus Analysis
Dustin Stoltzfus enters with a 14-5 professional record and a well-rounded skillset. His striking stats are slightly lower than Soriano, landing just under 3 significant strikes per minute at a 41% accuracy clip. On the feet, Stoltzfus employs a high guard, looking to cover up and absorb fewer strikes while hunting for counter punching opportunities, especially for his overhand right.
Where Stoltzfus excels is in his grappling and submission prowess. He secures takedowns at a 35% rate by closing distance quickly and attacking his opponent’s hips and legs with double leg shots. Once on the mat, he is a competent wrestler, actively passing guard while staying heavy in top control. From dominant positions he unleashes ground-and-pound and sets up a variety of submission attempts.
Stoltzfus’ submission skills are high level, evidenced by 12 tap out wins on his resume. He can attack both arms and legs with techniques like kimuras, arm triangles and heel hooks. His craftiness on the ground allows him to threaten and often catch less experienced grapplers. He will likely need to rely on this grappling phase of MMA to neutralize Soriano’s potent striking arsenal.
Punahele Soriano vs. Dustin Stoltzfus Stats
| Soriano | Stoltzfus | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 9-3-0 | 14-5-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 9:33 | 9:55 |
| Height | 5′ 11″ | 6′ 0″ |
| Weight | 185 lbs. | 185 lbs. |
| Reach | 72″ | 75″ |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 4.04 | 2.96 |
| Striking Accuracy | 45% | 41% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 4.22 | 3.28 |
| Defense | 48% | 46% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 0.90 | 1.76 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 40% | 35% |
| Takedown Defense | 30% | 46% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.0 | 0.5 |
Punahele Soriano vs. Dustin Stoltzfus Betting Pick
This is an evenly matched bout with Soriano holding a slight edge standing and Stoltzfus favoring grappling exchanges. Soriano is a slight betting favorite at -255 odds but Stoltzfus has a clear path to victory if he implements takedowns. Based on styles, Soriano seems to be the wise pick given his significant striking differential.
Free Pick: Punahele “Puna” Soriano -255
In conclusion, our top-tier sports handicapping points towards Punahele Soriano as the likely winner against Dustin Stoltzfus in their upcoming UFC on ESPN 52 encounter. Soriano’s striking ability, coupled with his aggressive fight approach, positions him well to overcome Stoltzfus’s grappling techniques. This matchup promises a blend of striking and grappling, offering an intriguing contest for MMA enthusiasts and bettors alike.