Predictions on the big fights coming up UFC: UFC 299

Gear up for an adrenaline-fueled spectacle as UFC 299 promises to deliver a night of unforgettable clashes. The octagon is set to sizzle in Miami, Florida, with a riveting main event featuring the highly anticipated rematch between UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley and the formidable No. 5 ranked contender Marlon Vera. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable as these two fighters step back into the cage. Adding to the excitement, the co-main event boasts a five-round showdown between No. 3 lightweight contender Dustin Poirier and the resilient No. 12 ranked Benoit Saint-Denis. As fight fans eagerly await the unfolding drama, our UFC fight schedule ensures you don’t miss a moment of the action. Plan your fight nights ahead and check our predictions on big fights coming up UFC 299.

UFC Fight Night 299 schedule and details

Get ready for a night of mixed martial arts at UFC 299: “O’Malley vs. Vera 2” on Saturday, March 9, 2024. The much-anticipated event will take place at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, and will be available for viewing on ESPN+ PPV, ESPNN, and ESPN+. The action-packed evening kicks off with preliminaries starting at 6 p.m. ET, leading up to the highly anticipated PPV Main Card at 10 p.m. ET. Make sure to tune in and catch every moment as fighters showcase their skills and tenacity in this thrilling UFC showdown.

Big fights coming up UFC 299: O’Malley vs Vera 2

O’Malley’s MMA record: In 19 MMA bouts, the fighter has 17 wins – 12 by knockout, 1 by submission, and 4 by decision with 1 loss

Vera’s MMA record: In 32 MMA bouts, the fighter secured 23 wins—8 by knockout, 10 by submission, and 5 by decision. With 8 losses, all by decision, and one draw,

Division: Bantamweight title

• O’Malley suffered his only loss against Vera but has bounced back with five consecutive victories, including a notable win over former champ Petr Yan. Despite being a +285 underdog, he secured a split decision, earning a title shot. In a surprising turn of events, O’Malley, an underdog, knocked out Aljamain Sterling in the second round to claim the 135-pound belt. Known for his diverse striking arsenal, O’Malley averages an impressive 7.25 significant strikes per minute and has secured multiple performance bonuses in his recent fights.

• At 31, Vera brings a decade of UFC experience, boasting a 15-7 record. In his last six fights, he holds a 5-1 record, with a recent unanimous decision victory over Pedro Munhoz. Vera, a formidable brawler with danger in the pocket and clinch, possesses a well-rounded skill set, including submission threats. Despite a career finish rate of 78.2%, he has secured only two stoppage wins in his last seven bouts. The clash between O’Malley’s flashiness and Vera’s seasoned brawling style sets the stage for an intriguing showdown in the octagon.

Pick: O’Malley to win

Odds: 1.37

Benoit Saint Denis vs. Dustin Poirier

Benoit Saint Denis’s MMA record: 13-1-0, including 1 no-contest, and is currently on a 5-win streak

Dustin Poirier’s MMA record: 9 wins, 8 losses, and 1 no-contest. Currently, they are on a streak with 1 loss

Division: Lightweight

• Saint-Denis is riding high on a five-fight win streak, showcasing his prowess with an impressive rate of 5.53 significant strikes per minute. Hailing from the 1st Marine Infantry Paratroopers Regiment in France, he also demonstrates a solid ground game, averaging 4.55 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. On the other side of the octagon, Poirier, known as “The Diamond,” is renowned for his striking skills, landing 5.49 significant strikes per minute with a 50% accuracy mark.
• Having faced a formidable lineup of opponents, including Jim Miller, Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, Conor McGregor, Charles Oliveira, and Michael Chandler, Poirier’s strength is evident, often landing triple-digit shots in fights. Despite absorbing 4.30 significant strikes that reach triple digits, Poirier’s resilience and ability to turn the tide in five-round battles are noteworthy. However, with emerging talent in the UFC, Saint-Denis presents a hungry challenge.
• Anticipate a fierce slugfest where both fighters are likely to exchange heavy blows. As the fight extends, Saint-Denis may leverage his endurance to push Poirier to the limit and potentially secure a late victory. The octagon awaits this high-stakes clash between experience and hunger.

Pick: Benoit Saint-Denis to win

Odds: 1.52

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Kevin Holland vs. Michael Page

Kevin Holland’s MMA record: 25-10-0, including 1 no-contest, and is currently on a 1 loss streak

Michael Page’s MMA record: 21 wins, 2 losses, and is currently on on a streak with 1 win

Division: Welterweight

• Holland boasts a striking prowess, averaging 4.39 significant strikes per minute with a solid 49% accuracy. Notably, he showcased his skills by landing 127 strikes against Jack Della Maddalena and is a ground threat with an average of 0.78 takedowns per 15 minutes, showcasing his proficiency with the D’Arce Choke. On the other side, MVP, a former kickboxing world champion recognized for his Bellator tenure, steps into the octagon.

• Page, a newcomer to the UFC, faces a formidable opponent in Holland, known for his motivation and challenging style. Holland, when focused, can pose a significant challenge, and this bout might serve as a platform for him to make a statement against the UFC’s latest signee. While MVP has struggled on the ground, his signature knee to the temple poses a real threat, especially if Holland underestimates the potential danger. The upcoming clash promises an intriguing battle of skills and strategies between the experienced Holland and the UFC newcomer, Page.

Pick: Kevin Holland to win

Odds: 1.73

Jack Della Maddalena vs. Gilbert Burns

Jack Della Maddalena’s MMA record: 16 wins and 2 losses, and is currently on a 16-win streak

Gilbert Burns’s MMA record: 22 wins, 6 losses, and is on a streak with 1 loss

Division: Welterweight

• Della Maddalena showcases an impressive striking game, averaging 7.20 significant strikes per minute and landing notable numbers against top contenders like Kevin Holland and Bassil Hafez. With a strike accuracy of 53%, he poses a formidable threat in the octagon. Burns, on the other hand, demonstrates a more measured approach, landing 3.36 significant strikes per minute and showcasing a solid ground game with an average of 1.95 takedowns per 15 minutes. Despite Burns’ recent mixed results, including a loss to Khamzat Chimaev and wins over Jorge Masvidal, he remains a challenging opponent for Della Maddalena, who seeks to climb the division ranks.

• In this matchup, Della Maddalena aims to exploit Burns’ vulnerabilities with his striking prowess, potentially causing significant damage. However, the contest is likely to be a strategic battle, with both fighters aiming to capitalize on their strengths while minimizing risks. Della Maddalena’s ability to navigate Burns’ game plan and emerge unscathed could determine the outcome of the bout, as he looks to secure the win and advance in the division rankings.

Pick: Jack Della Maddalena to win

Odds: 1.65

Petr Yan vs. Song Yadong

Petr Yan’s MMA record: 16 wins and 5 losses, the current streak of 3 consecutive losses

Song Yadong’s MMA record: 21 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw, and 1 no-contest, has a positive streak with 2 consecutive wins

Division: Bantamweight

• Yan, the former UFC bantamweight champion, faced his first defeat due to disqualification against Aljamain Sterling, leading to a challenging 1-3 record in subsequent bouts, including a notable eleven takedowns against Merab Dvalishvili. Although Yan displayed prowess in a match against O’Malley, the latter secured a controversial scoring decision win. With a striking rate of 5.03 significant strikes per minute and an average of 1.71 takedowns per 15 minutes, Yan remains a formidable force in the octagon.
• On the flip side, Yadong is riding a two-fight win streak, showcasing a solid striking game with 4.38 significant strikes per 15 minutes and an average of 0.63 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. Positioned as a rising contender, Yadong’s recent performances have highlighted his potential to outclass opponents.
• As Yan navigates a challenging phase in his career, Yadong presents a significant threat. Both fighters possess formidable striking capabilities, but Yan’s accuracy in flurries may give him the edge. However, Yadong, on a positive trajectory, could seize this opportunity to shine in the spotlight. The impending clash promises an intense battle, where Yan must reclaim victory, yet Yadong stands poised to make his mark in the division.

Pick: Petr Yan to win

Odds: 1.75

Curtis Blaydes vs. Jailton Almeida

Curtis Blaydes’s MMA record: 17 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no-contest, the current streak of 1 loss

Jailton Almeida’s MMA record: 20 wins and 2 losses, the current streak of 15 wins

Division: Heavyweight

• Blaydes maintains a pace of 3.56 significant strikes per minute and boasts an impressive takedown average of 5.93 per 15 minutes. In contrast, Almeida’s striking game averages 2.78 significant strikes per minute, but he excels in grappling with an average of 5.14 takedowns per 15 minutes. Notably, Almeida demonstrated his ground skills with six takedowns against Derrick Lewis and a submission victory over Jairzinho Rozenstruik. However, Blaydes faced a setback with a knockout loss to Sergei Pavlovich, hindering his momentum.

• Despite Blaydes’ frustrating track record of missed title opportunities and occasional losses against seemingly beatable opponents, Almeida, undefeated in the octagon with a 6-0 record, emerges as a rising force post-Dana White’s Contender Series. While Blaydes holds a superior grappling skill set, Almeida’s momentum and striking abilities suggest the potential for an upset. The bout unfolds as a clash of styles, with Almeida aiming to capitalize on his momentum and create a breakthrough against the more experienced Blaydes in the heavyweight division.

Pick: Jailton Almeida to win

Odds: 1.85

Big fights coming up UFC: Maycee Barber vs. Katlyn Cerminara

Maycee Barber’s MMA record: 13 wins and 2 losses the current streak of 5 wins

Katlyn Cerminara’s MMA record: 18 wins and 5 losses the current streak of 1 loss

Division: women’s flyweight

• Barber showcases a striking prowess with 4.60 significant strikes per minute and an impressive 52% strike accuracy, coupled with a takedown average of 1.14 landed per 15 minutes. Nicknamed “The Future,” she boasts a formidable five-fight win streak, although her takedown defense stands at 45%. On the other side, Chookagian, also known as “Blonde Fighter,” lands 4.59 significant strikes per minute but faces a recent setback with a four-fight win streak snapped by Manon Fiorot, who delivered 98 significant strikes.

• Chookagian, or Cerminara, relies on her kicks as a strategic weapon. While Barber’s ground game may not be her strongest suit in the division, her striking skills are commendable. Despite potential personal issues for Chookagian, the focus remains on assessing their in-ring capabilities. Barber plans to adopt an aggressive approach, leveraging her striking skills to land shots on the inside. In the octagon, FBR favors Barber for the win, predicting her to be the more assertive fighter in this anticipated showdown.

Pick: Maycee Barber to win

Odds: 1.51

As UFC 299 approaches, fans brace themselves for an exhilarating showcase of skill and tenacity. The highly anticipated big fights coming up UFC, including the rematch between Sean O’Malley and Marlon Vera, promise to deliver high-stakes drama and unforgettable moments inside the octagon. Stay tuned for our predictions on these colossal fights, as the fighters gear up to leave an indelible mark on UFC history. Get ready for an electrifying night of action at UFC 299!