Are you aware of the magnitude of Saturday’s UFC 300 event? Some might even call it massive, perhaps the greatest night in the history of unarmed combat as UFC president Dana White would describe it.
From viewership numbers to live gate receipts and fan excitement, UFC 300 is undeniably one of the most significant MMA pay-per-views in recent memory. But what sets it apart, and what are the narratives and statistics behind the 13 fights on the card for Saturday? Let’s delve into a quick UFC 300 primer, starting from the bottom up.
Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Cody Garbrandt
Who they are: Figueiredo, a former UFC flyweight champ known for his fast and frenetic fighting style. Garbrandt, a former UFC bantamweight champ with slick, powerful striking but a tendency to get knocked out.
Why it’s important: Can Figueiredo establish himself as a contender at 135 pounds? Can Garbrandt prove his worth with a third consecutive win?
Number to remember: 2016. The last time Garbrandt won three fights in a row and held a UFC belt.
Bobby Green vs. Jim Miller
Who they are: Green, a striker with unorthodox techniques. Miller, a seasoned veteran known for his submission game.
Why it’s significant: This matchup is more about history and clash of styles than rankings in the lightweight division.
Number to remember: Two. The number of times Green has been submitted in his MMA career.
Jessica Andrade vs. Marina Rodriguez
Who they are: Andrade, a former UFC strawweight champion. Rodriguez, a fighter looking to bounce back from consecutive losses.
Why it’s crucial: This fight could determine the future trajectory of both fighters.
Number to remember: Five. The height difference between the two fighters.
Jalin Turner vs. Renato Moicano
Who they are: Turner, a lightweight fighter with a unique persona. Moicano, a talented fighter aiming for a higher ranking.
Why it matters: A win for either fighter could propel them into the top rankings of the lightweight division.
Number to remember: 10. The number of submission wins Moicano has.
Sodiq Yusuff vs. Diego Lopes
Who they are: Yusuff, a featherweight with potential. Lopes, a skilled fighter looking for recognition.
Why it’s important: Despite being less known, this fight has the potential to be exciting to watch.
Number to remember: Zero. The number of ranked featherweights Lopes has beaten.
Holly Holm vs. Kayla Harrison
Who they are: Holm, a former UFC bantamweight champion. Harrison, a judo Olympian making her UFC debut.
Why it matters: Harrison’s debut and the contrast in their styles make this fight intriguing.
Number to remember: Nine. The age difference between the two fighters.
Calvin Kattar vs. Aljamain Sterling
Who they are: Kattar, a determined boxer. Sterling, a former bantamweight champ transitioning to a higher weight class.
Why it’s crucial: Kattar needs a win to regain his standing, while Sterling is testing his skills in a new division.
Number to remember: Four. The height difference Sterling faces in this fight.
Jiří Procházka vs. Aleksandar Rakić
Who they are: Procházka, a former champ with a unique style. Rakić, a light heavyweight looking to make a mark.
Why it’s important: A pivotal fight for both fighters to establish themselves in the division.
Number to remember: 25. Prochazka’s knockout wins in his career.
Bo Nickal vs. Cody Brundage
Who they are: Nickal, a promising MMA prospect with wrestling accolades. Brundage, an underdog facing a tough challenge.
Why it matters: A showcase fight for Nickal, but Brundage could surprise everyone with a win.
Number to remember: +1200. Brundage’s odds as the underdog in this fight.
Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan
Who they are: Oliveira, a former lightweight champ. Tsarukyan, an up-and-comer looking to make a statement.
Why it’s significant: The winner likely earns a title shot next, shaping the lightweight division.
Number to remember: Nine. The potential winning streak Tsarukyan could be on.
Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway
Who they are: Gaethje, a knockout artist. Holloway, a former featherweight champ moving up a division.
Why it matters: A thrilling matchup with high stakes, even without a title on the line.
Number to remember: 47. The total rounds Holloway has fought in his last 10 bouts.
Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan
Who they are: Zhang, the current strawweight champ. Yan, a top contender.
Why it matters: A title fight with potential for an exciting outcome.
Number to remember: 2013. The last time Zhang lost to someone other than Rose Namajunas.
Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill
Who they are: Pereira, the current 205-pound champ. Hill, the former champ on a comeback trail.
Why it matters: A pivotal fight in the light heavyweight division to establish a new contender.
Number to remember: 15. The months since Hill’s last fight, facing a tough opponent after a long layoff.