Marcos Rogerio de Lima vs. Justin Tafa – Fight Preview & Analysis

UFC 298: Volkanovski vs. Topuria is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in Anaheim, California, USA. In this matchup on the fight card, Marcos “Pezao” Rogerio de Lima will take on Justin “Bad Man” Costa in the Heavyweight bout. You can view the complete UFC 298 card.

Rogerio de Lima brings a unique orthodox fighting stance with an 75″ reach. In contrast, Costa, an southpaw fighter, stands with a 74″ reach. These variations in their styles can have a significant impact inside the Octagon.

With a 56% striking accuracy, Rogerio de Lima has shown his precision in landing significant strikes, averaging around 3.61 per minute. On the other hand, Costa boasts a 55% striking accuracy, landing approximately 5.13 significant strikes per minute.

In this post, we will break down Marcos Rogerio de Lima vs. Justin Tafa matchup. Let’s take a look at the fighter’s ages, their height, records, reach, fight stats, and more below ⤵

The 39-year-old, Marcos Rogerio de Lima is coming in with a 21-10-1 record. Rogerio de Lima will be fighting for the first time since a loss via KO/TKO against Derrick Lewis at UFC 291: Poirier vs. Gaethje 2 in July.

Costa, meanwhile, is coming off a KO/TKO win against Marcos Rogerio de Lima on July 29, 2023, at UFC 293: Adesanya vs. Strickland and holds a 7-3-0 (1 NC) record.

Marcos Rogerio de Lima has a orthodox fighting stance with an 75″ reach. The 31-year-old Justin Tafa is an southpaw fighter with a 74″ reach. An orthodox fighter stands with their left side forward and jabs with their left hand. The southpaw fighter is the opposite. Southpaw stands with their right side forward and jabs with their right hand. In most cases, orthodox fighters are right-handed; if you are left-handed, you fight southpaw.

Marcos Rogerio de Lima stats

→ Rogerio de Lima’s striking accuracy is 56%.
→ Rogerio de Lima lands 3.61 significant strikes per minute.
→ Rogerio de Lima’s takedown accuracy is 47%.
→ Rogerio de Lima’s takedown average is 1.34 per 15 minutes.
→ Rogerio de Lima’s takedown defense is 59%.

Rogerio de Lima comes in with 56% striking accuracy, typically landing about 3.61 significant strikes every minute. Conversely, Costa fires at 55% accuracy, landing about 5.13 significant strikes per minute. Marcos Rogerio de Lima also has a 47% takedown accuracy and, on average, gets around 1.34 takedowns every 15 minutes, compared to Costa’s 0 takedowns and 100% takedown accuracy.

Justin Tafa stats

→ Costa’s striking accuracy is 55%.
→ Costa lands 5.13 significant strikes per minute.
→ Costa’s takedown accuracy is 0%.
→ Costa’s takedown average is 0 per 15 minutes.
→ Costa’s takedown defense is 100%.

Justin spent, on average, 4:52 minutes in the Octagon, and Marcos has an average fight time of 6:12 minutes.

Considering their records, fighting styles, and recent performances, this matchup looks to be a good clash of skills and strategies. Who will come out victorious, Marcos or Justin? Sound off in the comments.

You can view the scheduled UFC 298 fight card, upcoming UFC schedule 2023, and latest MMA news.