UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2 - Bernardo Sopaj vs. Ricky Turcios Prelims Clash

On January 18, 2025, the UFC will take over the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, for the electrifying UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2. The card, headlined by the highly anticipated lightweight title rematch between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan, also features a compelling preliminary matchup between Albania’s rising star Bernardo Sopaj and fan-favorite Ricky Turcios. This bantamweight bout is a clash of styles and an opportunity for both fighters to climb the division rankings.

 

Fighter Backgrounds

Ricky Turcios

Ricky "Pretty" Turcios (13-4-0), fighting out of Gracie Barra Woodlands, is known for his scrappy fighting style and endless cardio. A former winner of "The Ultimate Fighter," Turcios has proven to be a fan-friendly competitor with an unorthodox approach to striking and grappling exchanges. Despite setbacks in recent bouts, including a submission loss to Raul Rosas Jr. in June 2024, Turcios remains a dangerous and unpredictable fighter in the bantamweight division.

Bernardo Sopaj

Bernardo "The Lion King" Sopaj (11-3-0), representing Allstars Training Center, is a well-rounded Albanian fighter with a knack for finishes. Sopaj boasts seven knockout victories and three submissions, showcasing his ability to end fights in various ways. Though he faced a recent TKO loss against Vinicius Oliveira, Sopaj’s previous dominant performances, including a first-round KO of Geovane Vargas, have solidified his reputation as a finisher.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Ricky Turcios

• Cardio Machine: Turcios thrives in high-paced fights, often overwhelming opponents with relentless energy.
• Unorthodox Striking: His unpredictable striking angles and techniques keep opponents guessing.
• Grappling Durability: While not a submission specialist, Turcios has a solid grappling base to rely on in scrambles.

Bernardo Sopaj

• Knockout Power: Sopaj’s striking is a significant weapon, with seven knockouts in his career.
• Submission Threat: His grappling acumen includes three submission wins, making him dangerous on the mat.
• Composure Under Fire: Sopaj remains calm and calculated, even in chaotic exchanges.

Recent Performances

Ricky Turcios

After a promising start to his UFC career, Turcios has experienced ups and downs, including a split-decision win over Kevin Natividad and tough losses to Aiemann Zahabi and Raul Rosas Jr. These bouts highlighted his resilience but also exposed areas for improvement in his defensive game.

Bernardo Sopaj

Sopaj is coming off a first-round TKO loss to Vinicius Oliveira in March 2024 but has otherwise been impressive. Prior to that defeat, Sopaj secured back-to-back first-round knockouts against Geovane Vargas and Julien Pierre Lopez, showcasing his devastating finishing ability.

Odds and Betting Information

Fighter	Odds
Bernardo Sopaj	-320
Ricky Turcios	+250

Bernardo Sopaj enters as the significant favorite at -320, thanks to his finishing ability and more consistent recent performances. Ricky Turcios, the underdog at +250, has the grit and unpredictability to pull off an upset.

Keys to Victory

Ricky Turcios

• Utilize Volume Striking: Overwhelm Sopaj with a high output to disrupt his rhythm.
• Stay Mobile: Avoid standing in the pocket, where Sopaj’s power is most effective.
• Mix in Takedowns: Use grappling to wear Sopaj down and neutralize his striking.

Bernardo Sopaj

• Capitalize on Power: Use his knockout ability to keep Turcios on the back foot.
• Defend Takedowns: Maintain the fight on the feet, where he has the advantage.
• Control the Pace: Avoid getting drawn into a chaotic, high-volume exchange that favors Turcios.

 

Prediction