UFC Fight Night Predictions: Jacoby vs Lopes, May 31, 2025
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UFC Fight Night Predictions: Jacoby vs Lopes, May 31, 2025

 

UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs. Barber - Dustin "The Hanyak" Jacoby Meets Bruno "Brunao" Lopes in Light Heavyweight Battle

As the main card of UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs. Barber approaches on May 31, 2025, at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, a compelling light heavyweight clash is set to unfold. Former GLORY kickboxer Dustin "The Hanyak" Jacoby steps into the octagon against Brazil's promising prospect Bruno "Brunao" Lopes. This bout promises fireworks with two dangerous strikers looking to make a statement.

Fighter Backgrounds

Dustin Jacoby

Dustin "The Hanyak" Jacoby (20-9-1), representing FactoryX Muay Thai in the USA, is a seasoned light heavyweight with a decorated kickboxing background. He boasts thirteen TKO/KO wins and a professional record that includes stints in the UFC and GLORY. Known for his technical striking and power, Jacoby is always a threat on the feet.

Bruno Lopes

Bruno "Brunao" Lopes (14-1-0), fighting out of 011 MMA Team in Brazil, is an exciting light heavyweight prospect with only one professional loss. Lopes has secured six TKO/KO wins and five submission victories, showcasing a well-rounded and dangerous skill set. He earned his way into the UFC via Dana White's Contender Series.

Fighting Styles and Strengths

Dustin Jacoby

  • Elite Kickboxing: Jacoby possesses high-level striking technique, precision, and power from his kickboxing background.
  • TKO Power: Known for breaking down opponents with consistent, damaging strikes.
  • Octagon Experience: Has a wealth of experience in the UFC, facing tough competition.

Bruno Lopes

  • Versatile Finisher: Lopes can finish fights with both strikes and submissions, making him unpredictable.
  • Aggressive Style: Often pushes the pace and looks for opportunities to end the fight.
  • Durability: Has shown resilience in his fights, with only one career loss by TKO.

Recent Performances

Dustin Jacoby

Dustin Jacoby is coming off an impressive third-round TKO victory over Vitor Petrino in December 2024, rebounding strongly from a loss. Prior to that, he suffered a second-round TKO loss to Dominick Reyes in June 2024 and a unanimous decision loss to Alonzo Menifield in December 2023. He also holds a notable TKO win over Kennedy Nzechukwu in August 2023.

Bruno Lopes

Bruno Lopes is riding a two-fight winning streak. His most recent win was a unanimous decision victory over Magomed Gadzhiyasulov in January 2025, a significant step up in competition. Before that, he secured a second-round TKO over Mikheil Sazhiniani on Dana White's Contender Series in August 2024, earning his UFC contract. His only professional loss came via TKO to Brendson Ribeiro in September 2023 on DWCS.

Odds and Betting Information

Fighter Odds
Dustin Jacoby -185
Bruno Lopes +155

Dustin Jacoby is the favorite in this light heavyweight bout with odds of -185, while Bruno Lopes is the underdog at +155. The recommended pick for this fight is Dustin Jacoby at slightly different odds (-210).

Keys to Victory

Dustin Jacoby

  • Control Striking Distance: Jacoby needs to utilize his long-range striking and kickboxing pedigree to keep Lopes at bay and land clean shots.
  • Defend Takedowns: While Lopes is primarily a striker, he does have submission wins, so Jacoby must be prepared to defend any grappling attempts.
  • Patience and Precision: Jacoby should avoid rushing and instead pick his shots carefully to break down Lopes.

Bruno Lopes

  • Close the Distance Safely: Lopes needs to get inside Jacoby's range to land his own power shots without taking excessive damage.
  • Mix in Grappling: Even if he's primarily a striker, threatening takedowns could open up striking opportunities against Jacoby.
  • Test Jacoby's Chin: Lopes has power and should look to land clean, hard shots to test Jacoby's durability.

Prediction

This light heavyweight encounter pits the technical striking of Dustin Jacoby against the aggressive, well-rounded game of Bruno Lopes. Jacoby's recent impressive TKO win over Petrino showcased his striking prowess and ability to finish. While Lopes is a dangerous prospect with a strong record, Jacoby's experience against higher-level competition and his refined kickboxing should give him the edge. He's adept at controlling distance and landing damaging blows, which will be crucial against an aggressive fighter like Lopes.

Prediction: Dustin Jacoby via Decision.

Best Bet: Dustin Jacoby to win (-210). Despite the slight difference from the listed odds, Jacoby at -210 still represents good value. His precision striking, experience, and ability to manage range will be key. While Lopes is dangerous, Jacoby has shown he can bounce back from losses and perform against tough opponents. Expect Jacoby to use his kickboxing to outpoint Lopes over three rounds, or potentially find a late TKO.