Damian Pinas: UFC Finishes Changed How I'm Seen

Damian Pinas says his back-to-back finishes inside the UFC have erased the doubt that used to follow his name, and he's looking to make it three straight stoppages when he faces Andrey Pulyaev on Oct. 3 at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City.

The middleweight prospect, who went 10-0 before signing out of Dana White's Contender Series, has finished every win of his career, nine by knockout and one by submission. Pinas believes his recent UFC success has brought him increased recognition. "Yeah, since my last fight, everybody gave me more respect, more recognition; they didn't count me out anymore because before that they were counting me out, now they put it on my name because I've been working hard to get so far in the year to the UFC. It's amazing," Pinas said in a pre-fight interview.

What Is Damian Pinas Hiding From Opponents?

Pinas says the finishing streak everyone has seen is only part of his game. "Now, my grappling area, nobody saw my grappling," Pinas added. "Everybody thinks that I don't have grappling, but I keep it quiet. One day I will show you guys." That's a notable admission from a fighter built almost entirely on his finishing reputation. If Pulyaev game-plans purely around avoiding Pinas's hands and power, a surprise grappling wrinkle could be the separator.

Pulyaev enters UFC 332 at 10-5, a veteran step up for a prospect who has built his entire UFC run on speed and power against less tested competition. This is the toughest test of Pinas's three fights in the promotion so far.

Betting Angle

Sportsbooks have installed Pinas as a heavy favorite, with lines opening in the range of -450 to -500 and Pulyaev priced as high as +385. That number reflects Pinas's perfect finishing resume and the first-round knockout streak he's riding inside the Octagon, but prices that lopsided leave little margin for bettors looking for value on the favorite straight up. The more interesting angle may be inside the distance. Pinas has never needed a third round to get a win, and books are likely to price an early finish method or round total aggressively given that history. For anyone backing Pulyaev, the bet is less about the scorecards and more a wager that live rounds and durability neutralize a knockout artist who hasn't had to show a deep gas tank or a ground game in the cage yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Damian Pinas fighting at UFC 332?

Damian Pinas faces Andrey Pulyaev in a middleweight bout on Oct. 3 at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City.

What is Damian Pinas's UFC record and finishing streak?

Damian Pinas enters UFC 332 with a 10-1 professional record, having finished all 10 of his wins, nine by knockout and one by submission.

What are the betting odds for Pinas vs. Pulyaev?

Sportsbooks have listed Damian Pinas as a heavy favorite over Andrey Pulyaev, with odds opening in the range of roughly -450 to -500 for Pinas and up to +385 for Pulyaev.