Ryan Loder and Robert Valentin are set to square off in the middleweight finale of “The Ultimate Fighter 32” at UFC on ESPN 62. Loder, with a record of 6-1, secured a stoppage win over Tom Theocharis in the TUF house and later defeated Omran Chaaban by decision. On the other hand, Valentin, boasting a record of 10-3, knocked out Giannis Bachar and submitted Paddy McCorry during the TUF season, both in the first round.
Valentin is known for his finishing abilities, both on the feet and the ground, and brings a strong judo background to the fight. However, Loder, a Division-1 All-American wrestler and purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, poses a significant threat with his wrestling skills. Despite being a bit raw, Loder’s style is well-suited for the octagon’s smaller size, and he has the potential to exploit Valentin’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Although the oddsmakers and the public favor Valentin to win, with Valentin listed at -172 and Loder at +140, there is a possibility for an upset. Loder’s wrestling prowess could play a crucial role in securing a competitive decision victory. The fight is scheduled to be the fourth bout on the main card, with Loder and Valentin expected to make their way to the cage around 11:35 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
Final Thoughts
The matchup between Ryan Loder and Robert Valentin promises to be an intriguing contest between a skilled wrestler and a proficient finisher. While Valentin holds the edge in striking and submissions, Loder’s wrestling background could be the key to victory. Fans can anticipate an exciting battle between these two middleweights as they vie for supremacy in “The Ultimate Fighter 32” finale at UFC on ESPN 62.