Prediction: Lean Jose Ochoa
Cody Durden vs Jose Ochoa is the kind of fight that doesn’t just test skill—it tests will. This is veteran grit versus young-gun confidence, and neither guy is coming in to play it safe. That’s why picking a winner here feels like flipping a coin and lighting it on fire. You’re not just betting on talent, you’re betting on heart, composure, and who refuses to break first.
Durden is the vet with that grind-first, pressure-heavy style that’s made him a tough night for a lot of guys. He’s not out here trying to outpoint you—he wants to overwhelm you. His striking is built around pressure, timing, and volume, but the real threat is the wrestling. When he gets in rhythm, he chains takedowns together like a machine, and once he gets on top, he drains you. He’s that dude who’s not trying to out-style you, he’s trying to break you. And he’s done it to solid names.
But now here comes Jose Ochoa, the fearless newcomer who fights like with a special youthful ignorance. He’s sharp, reactive, and aggressive in the right ways. His reflexes—offensively and defensively—are dialed in, and he doesn’t hesitate when it’s time to let the hands go. Ochoa moves with that youthful confidence, the kind where you’re not second-guessing your reads or playing safe, and that makes him dangerous. Especially early.
So now you’ve got a classic clash: Durden trying to drag Ochoa into deep waters, make it ugly, make it heavy, make it uncomfortable—and Ochoa trying to stay loose, stay slick, and punish any lazy entries or gaps in pressure. Both guys are going to push the pace, both are going to test each other early, and both will be looking for that one moment where the other guy starts to crack.
If Durden gets rolling and starts breaking Ochoa’s rhythm with takedowns and pressure, he could dominate the fight. But if Ochoa keeps it clean, defends smart, and keeps that youthful swagger going, he could shock the vet with speed and reactions Durden can’t keep up with.