UFC 328's Jose Ochoa: I'll be first to KO Clayton Carpenter

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 – 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

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