UFC ON ESPN 52: Turman vs. Gooden 12/2/23 – The latest MMA game prediction tonight for December 2nd, 2023, is an intriguing welterweight matchup between Wellington Turman and Jared Gooden at UFC on ESPN 52. These experienced fighters will clash inside the Octagon, each looking to rebound from recent losses and get back in the win column. This clash, is not just a test of physical prowess but a strategic battle, where each fighter’s unique strengths and weaknesses will be put to the ultimate test.
UFC ON ESPN 52: Wellington Turman vs. Jared Gooden 12/2/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 4:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Moody Center, Austin, Texas, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Wellington “The Prodigy” Turman Analysis
With an 18-7 professional record, Wellington Turman enters this pivotal matchup hoping a win will revitalize his UFC career following back-to-back defeats. His most recent Octagon appearances saw him submit to a kneebar against Dominick Cruz before losing a unanimous call to Sam Alvey last summer..
Offensively, Turman lands just over 3 significant strikes per minute, doing so with solid 49% accuracy. He mixes up his stand-up attacks well, targeting opponents with punches, kicks, knees and elbows. Turman isn’t afraid to exchange strikes to set up his true bread and butter – offensive grappling. He shows savvy positional skills and an attacking submission arsenal. He averages nearly 1.5 takedowns per 15 minutes in the cage while attempting to drag foes to the mat at a respectable 19% accuracy clip. Better offensive wrestling could certainly still be developed.
On the mat, Turman unleashes his craft Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills with sweeps, dominant positions through transitions, and a constant submission threat. Nearly one submission attempt per 15 minutes displays Turman’s desire to finish fights by tap out once in top position or on the back. Defensively, there are certainly concerns – specifically regarding striking defense. Turman gets hit far too frequently, absorbing almost 4 significant strikes per minute at a porous 46% defensive rate. Cutting down on absorbed shots will be key as he progresses facing stiffer competition. Additionally, Turman’s 45% takedown defense rate means over half of shot attempts against him succeed.
Jared “Nitetrain” Gooden Analysis
Jared Gooden provides an experienced dance partner for Turman on the UFC on ESPN 52 main card. Gooden’s 22-9 record includes 12 knockouts on his record, with explosive power and speed defining his attack-first offensive style. Gooden has traded wins and losses while facing gradually elevated competition in each outing. His most recent appearances ended in defeat, dropping decisions since a blistering 17-second KO of Stolze last summer.
Gooden’s clear offensive strength lies in the significant striking output he unleashes upon opponents once the Octagon door closes. He lands a whopping 4.73 significant strikes per minute, attacking with rapid-fire punch combinations and flying knees when openings emerge. Nearly half (47%) of Gooden’s significant strike attempts find their target, as he swarms adversaries looking to overwhelm them with striking volume. Against Turman, expect more of Gooden’s patented non-stop striking attacks from the opening bell.
Gooden always carries fight-ending power in his hands. If he senses a foe hurt from his striking barrages, Gooden won’t hesitate to blitz looking to force a referee intervention. Wrestling and grappling do not comprise major parts of Gooden’s skill set at this stage of his career. He rarely looks for takedowns, averaging less than 1 per 15 minutes, though does own a flawless 100% accuracy when attempting them. More concerning is his 68% takedown defense rate – a clear hole ready for opponents to expose if able to ground the fight. Once on his back, Gooden appears comfortable simply holding from guard or half-guard rather than aggressively attacking submissions or escapes.
Wellington Turman vs. Jared Gooden Stats
| Turman | Gooden | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 18-7-0 | 22-9-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 11:19 | 12:14 |
| Height | 6′ 0″ | 6′ 0″ |
| Weight | 170 lbs. | 170 lbs. |
| Reach | 72″ | 77″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 3.04 | 4.73 |
| Striking Accuracy | 49% | 47% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 3.87 | 6.76 |
| Defense | 46% | 48% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 1.49 | 0.49 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 19% | 100% |
| Takedown Defense | 45% | 68% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.8 | 0.0 |
Wellington Turman vs. Jared Gooden Betting Pick
This is an evenly-matched welterweight fight between two fighters needing to rebound from losses in their last couple of appearances. While their striking stats are comparable, Wellington Turman has a noticeable edge if the fight goes to the mat. Turman’s offensive grappling and submission skills give him an added path to victory against the strike-first style that Jared Gooden will almost certainly try to implement. Turman also has a two-inch reach advantage that could help him land strikes while defending Gooden’s offensive attacks.
Free Pick: Wellington “The Prodigy” Turman -187
This UFC on ESPN 52 will feature two hungry welterweights eager to get back in contention at 170-pounds. Our professional sports analysis sees Wellington Turman as the fighter better equipped to end his skid and do so against the dangerous but one-dimensional striking talent of Jared Gooden. Expect fireworks in this fight!