UFC 300: Main Card Predictions
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The countdown is complete… The iconic UFC 300 is now just days away. Many have labeled this as the greatest card of all time, from top to bottom. It’s clear that Dana White and the promotion are looking to stack the deck as much as possible for the big show.
This card features a plethora of talent, including champions, former champions, and fan favorites, from the early prelims all the way up to the main card. After months of speculation about the big UFC 300 main event, it was revealed that former UFC light heavyweight champion Jahamal Hill will look to reclaim his belt in a blockbuster showdown with the current champion and MMA boogeyman, Alex Pereira.
Check out the picks from our dream team as we are extra excited for this one:
UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Alex Pereira (C) vs. Jamahal Hill (1)
Mishal: The disrespect Jamahal Hill is getting going into this fight is insane. He’s one of the hardest-hitting light heavyweights and has fantastic fight IQ. He is no easy night for anyone… However, his opponent is one of those fighters who can abuse the holes in his game. Being prone to hooks like Hill has demonstrated makes this a dangerous fight. But it’s one that is winnable. Pereira’s power and skill on the feet is horrifying. But Hill will be looking to make this a scrap to exploit the champion. My main worry is how much Hill’s injury comes into play. It’s everything a main event should be, easily one that can swing either way.
Official Prediction: Alex Pereira via 3rd Round KO/TKO
Lee: Alex Pereira is set for his first light heavyweight title defense. Though Hill is coming back from an achilles injury, he’s on a four-fight win streak. He’s adamant that there will be no grappling in this fight. Of course, Pereira wants to keep the fight standing up being that his ground game is underdeveloped.
Official Prediction: Alex Pereira via 3rd Round KO/TKO
Marcos: Make no mistake, Alex Pereira has the ability to knockout Jamahal Hill. But Hill can very much do the same to Pereira. Given Jamahal’s desire to knock “Poatan” out and silence his haters, I can see how that would play into the hands of the current champion. I do believe that this fight will stay standing for the most part. I also think the leg kicks from Pereira will be the ultimate difference-maker. Hill being in a southpaw stance will make it more difficult for Pereira to kick his legs. However, Pereira throws his kicks like no one else in the sport. I have a strong belief in both fighters to get this done. But since one must be picked, I gotta go with the champ.
Official Prediction: Alex Pereira via 3rd Round KO/TKO
UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship
Weili Zhang (C) vs. Yan Xiaonan (1)
Mishal: Not to undermine her division entirely, but there isn’t a strawweight I see being enough of a threat to the reigning champion. Zhang is looking scarier with every fight, consistently showcasing her well-rounded skillset on a level nobody else is reaching. Worst of all, it doesn’t feel like she’s reached her prime. Xiaonan can find a way to make this competitive, maybe by creating openings to land something powerful enough to surprise everyone. The longer this one goes though, the more the champ will look to drown her challenger. I can’t imagine it will be pretty…
Official Prediction: Weili Zhang via Unanimous Decision
Marcos: Both ladies possess top-level skills for the weight class. However, I do see Zhang Weili as the more well-rounded fighter, particularly in the grappling area. Yan certainly possesses the knockout power and striking ability to become China’s new face of MMA. But, her ground game still leaves much to be desired… Just look at Yan’s fight against Carla Esparza and you can see some of the holes in that region of her skillset. Weili on the other hand, is formidable in all facets of the game. Overall, I think it’s a favorable matchup for the current champion. Regardless of how the fight goes, China will still have a UFC world champion by the end of the night.
Official Prediction: Weili Zhang via Unanimous Decision
BMF Championship
Justin Gaethje (C) vs. Max Holloway
Mishal: The people’s main event. No matter which way this goes, it will make headlines. The risk is high for both men too… For Gaethje, a loss marks the end of his “one final run” to lightweight gold. But for Holloway, it could mean career-altering damage on a scale he’s never experienced. Both circumstances will change careers in 25 minutes or less. While most people are judging Holloway’s chances based on his fight with Dustin Poirier, he has come into this fight with a different approach. Holloway’s chin, movement, and forward pressure are his keys to victory. But Gaethje is the longer, more powerful fighter and could make this a fight we regret seeing either man take. We’re in for an all-out war.
Official Prediction: Justin Gaethje via Decision
Lee: Another first in UFC history… The BMF title will be defended. The BMF title is reserved for the most action-packed fighters on the roster. Gaethje and Holloway more than qualify for this criteria. Holloway has won two-straight and four of his last five fights. Gaethje has won two-straight and seven of his last nine. If Gaethje incorporates his impressive leg kick game, Holloway could be in trouble.
Official Prediction: Justin Gaethje via Split Decision
Marcos: In his previous move up to lightweight, Holloway seemed to struggle with Poirier’s power at a higher weight class. Apparently, the Hawaiian had just 6 weeks to get his body ready for the lightweight frame. This time around, he’s had about 10 weeks to prepare. If you don’t think four or so weeks will make much of a difference, go check out his current physique. The former featherweight champion looks far better and more filled in this time around. So different Max, different result? Not quite. Given the current roll and familiarity Gaethje has in the weight class, I think this could be the hairsplitter in what will already be a very close fight on the scorecards.
Official Prediction: Justin Gaethje via Split Decision
Lightweight Bout
Charles Oliveira (1) vs. Arman Tsarukyan (4)
Mishal: The chances of this thing reaching the full 15 minutes are slim. Oliveira and Tsarukyan are coming in with a purpose, to make a statement and cement themselves as the biggest threat to Islam Makhachev. For however long it lasts, this is no cakewalk on either side of the octagon. Tsarukyan possesses sadistic power in his hands, with a grappling game that could nullify Oliveira’s chances on the mat. Oliveira won’t be looking to back down easily though. The Brazilian is always moving forward, picking shots and has power of his own that all his past opponents discovered eventually. My heart would be completely fine with either man coming out on top. But, my brain says differently.
Official Prediction: Charles Oliveira via 2nd Round KO/TKO
Lee: The winner here will challenge for the title. Oliveira is the better all-around fighter, but he has to be careful not to overlook Tsarukyan. Tsarukyan is young and hungry, while winning eight of his last nine fights. Tsarukyan also wants to settle a score with Islam Makhachev, whom he lost to in his debut five years ago. This is a very dangerous fight for Oliveira and a great opportunity for Tsarukyan…
Official Prediction: Charles Oliviera via 3rd Round Submission
Marcos: We saw Gaethje defend his rank against the new breed of contenders in Fiziev. Same with Poirier and St. Denis. Will we see Oliveira do the same? One of my biggest concerns in this matchup is the fact that Oliveira is known to take damage in his fights, and Arman hits very hard. It’s certainly easy to choose fan favorite Charles and his exciting style. But I think Arman is clicking on all cylinders and seems to have figured it out. So much to the point where I think he gets it done, and we see a new number one contender for Islam.
Official Prediction: Arman Tsarukyan via Unanimous Decision
Middleweight Bout
Bo Nickal vs. Cody Brundage
Mishal: If you’re betting, this is the lock of the night. This is a showcase opportunity for the UFC’s next desired cash cow to add to an undefeated record. Brundage, like any underdog, might have a puncher’s chance. But, I just see him getting swarmed early on.
Official Prediction: Bo Nickal via Whatever He Wants, However He Wants
Lee: UFC 300 kicks off with a middleweight battle between rising star, Bo Nickal and Cody Brundage. Nickal is excellent on the mat, however his striking has been a pleasant surprise. Brundage is currently riding a two-fight winning streak and is a massive underdog in this fight. He will need to implore great takedown defense and try to imply some pressure on Nickal…
Official Prediction: Bo Nickal via 1st Round Submission
Marcos: If I chose Cody Brundage, would you believe me? Of course not. There is a reason that Bo Nickal is the whopping -1350 favorite in this fight. In fact, it may take you longer to read this prediction than it will to watch the entire duration of the fight come Saturday. While Brundage is not a terrible wrestler himself, especially offensively, he tends to struggle when he is put on his back. We know that Bo will look to take him down if he doesn’t have immediate success standing. So in this matchup, I would give Nickal the advantage just about everywhere.
Official Prediction: Bo Nickal via 1st Round TKO
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