Travis Bazzana hits his first major league homer in the Guardians' 6-4 win over the Twins
Travis Bazzana hits his first major league homer in Guardians' win over Twins
Jose Ochoa aims to secure a knockout victory over Clayton Carpenter at UFC 328. The flyweight prospect believes his improved grappling and striking power will lead to a successful performance in Newark, N.J.
Mentioned in this story
Jose Ochoa believes everything is lining up for a big night for him at UFC 328.
Ochoa (8-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC), a flyweight prospect, takes on Clayton Carpenter (8-2 MMA, 2-2 UFC) in the opening bout of UFC 328 (Paramount+), which takes place Saturday at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. It's a big bout for the Peruvian, as he tries to bounce back from a loss to top contender Asu Almabayev last July. Ochoa is very happy to be getting this matchup with Carpenter, and sees it as a perfect opportunity to showcase his improved defensive wrestling â something that cost him the victory when he fought Almabayev.
"After my last showing against Asu, I've been working a ton on my grappling game," Ochoa told Hablemos MMA in Spanish. "I think this rival, Clayton, is precisely what the doctor ordered. I've been working a lot on my deficiencies as well as my strengths, and on Saturday I will show what I've been working on at Chute Box. I expect a great performance."
Not only does Ochoa see himself winning, but he also believes he's got what it takes to be the first to stop Carpenter with strikes. Ochoa's eight wins have all come by stoppage, with seven by KO or TKO.
"I have the power to stop him," Ochoa said. "I believe I have the punching power, specifically the left hand, and I think that it will ring his bell on Saturday."
Ochoa hasn't had an easy road compared to most UFC newcomers in their early 20's. He fought and defeated veteran Cody Durden, and lost decisions to Lone'er Kavanagh and Almabayev, who are considered current contenders.
"Once you're in the UFC, you're only fighting high-level fighters, so you can't expect to have easy fights or fighters with little will or strength," Ochoa said. "I've had it tough, yeah, but I'm also showing I have the level to compete. This upcoming fight is a good fight for me, and I think it's going to push me to be fighting for bigger opportunities in my UFC career."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 328's Ochoa: 'I have the power' to be first to KO Carpenter
Jose Ochoa has an MMA record of 8-2 and a UFC record of 1-2 before UFC 328.
UFC 328 is scheduled for Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Jose Ochoa plans to win by showcasing his improved defensive wrestling and believes he can be the first to stop Carpenter with his striking power.
Travis Bazzana hits his first major league homer in Guardians' win over Twins
Hockey roundup: Sandin-Pellikka scores highlight-reel goal; MSU adds assistant coach
Foster Griffin struck out a season-high nine batters over seven innings, leading the Nationals to a 3-2 victory against the Marlins. Jacob Young contributed with a two-run homer in the first inning.
Misiorowski shines with 12 strikeouts as Brewers defeat Yankees 6-0
Brooklyn Nets set to select Caleb Wilson over Darryn Peterson in 2026 NBA Draft.
Canadiens tie playoff series with 5-1 win over Sabres, Newhook shines
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.