UFC 299 from Miami will feature one of the deepest fight cards in Mixed-Martial Arts history. In the Main Event, “Suga” Sean O’Malley gets his shot at redemption against the only man to defeat him, Marlon Vera. This will be O’Malley’s first defense of the Bantamweight title, after knocking out former champion Aljamain Sterling last year. Vera is 5-1 in his last six fights and has never been finished in his professional career.
In the Co-Main event fan favorite Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier returns to face surging French contender Benoit Saint-Denis. Poirier has faced some of the best competition in the sport and will look to rebound after his brutal knockout loss to Justin Gaethje. Saint-Denis was a member of the French special forces while in the military, and has finished his last five opponents.
Also on the UFC 299 fight card, Bellator superstar Michael “Venom” Page makes his octagon debut against the always-dangerous Kevin Holland.
Sean O’Malley (17-1) vs. Marlon Vera (23-8-1)
UFC 299’s Main Event is a highly competitive grudge match between two of the most talented strikers at 135 pounds. In their first contest, Vera was able to come out victorious after O’Malley suffered a leg injury that forced him to fall to the ground. Vera was able to capitalize and finished O’Malley with ground and pound to stop the fight. O’Malley insists the first matchup was a “Fluke” and is looking to prove that in his first title defense this weekend. Vera is a dynamic striker who holds knockout wins over Dominick Cruz, Brad Pickett, and Frankie Edgar. Currently, O’Malley is a betting favorite at online sportsbooks (-275).
I do not see this fight going to the ground at all, both competitors are world-class strikers who will not be looking to take each other down. On the feet, O’Malley will have an advantage in punching power, but Vera throws many creative and dynamic strikes as well. Vera was able to find a home for his leg kicks in the first fight, and will probably implore a similar game plan. After winning the title by knockout O’Malley should enter this contest extremely confident and prepared for a familiar opponent.
Prediction: Sean O’Malley by Decision
Dustin Poirier (29-8) vs. Benoit Saint Denis (13-1)
The five-round Co-Main event for UFC 299 features all-action finishers at different stages of their career. Poirier is a former Interim Lightweight Champion who holds stoppage victories over Conor Mcgregor (2x), Michael Chandler, and Eddie Alvarez. After losing to Justin Gaethje last time out, Poirier now faces the brightest prospect in the division. Benoit Saint-Denis is a well-rounded destroyer who has finished all of his professional victories. In November, Saint-Denis knocked out Matt Frevola at Madison Square Garden, earning him this massive opportunity. Currently, Saint-Denis is a (-210) favorite at online sportsbooks.
On the feet, Poirier is the more technical and elusive boxer. Poirier’s combinations and fluidity with his hands may cause problems for Saint-Denis while standing. On the ground, Saint-Denis will be the physically stronger fighter and may look to control Poirier for portions of this matchup. Age may play a factor in this fight, with Poirier being 35 years old and, facing a fresh 28-year-old prospect. Saint-Denis has never been scheduled for a 25-minute fight, while Poirier has gone the five-round distance twice.
Since moving down to 155 pounds Saint-Denis is undefeated and the “God of War” has his sights set on championship gold.
Prediction: Benoit Saint-Denis by Submission
Kevin Holland (25-10) vs. Michael Page (21-2)
Two of the most athletic strikers in all of MMA help kick off the UFC 299 Main Card. Bellator Superstar Michael “Venom” Page makes his promotion debut against talented Welterweight Kevin Holland. Page has won seven of his last eight fights outside the UFC. Against Goiti Yamauchi, Page shattered the leg of his opponent with a low kick 26 seconds into their fight. Holland is 2-3 in his last five contests and needs a win to stay in contention. Entering this fight Holland is a slight betting favorite at online sportsbooks (-130).
When researching for this fight one matchup stuck out to me. Stephen Thompson is a very similar stylistic opponent to Page and caused significant trouble for Holland on the feet. Holland did not attempt to take the fight to the ground and was stopped in the fourth round of that fight by TKO. Holland will want to mix it up, or Page will find success at distance with leg kicks and creative techniques. Page is going to look to make a statement in his debut and I like his chances as a betting underdog.
Prediction: Michael Page by Decision
Other UFC 299 Fights:
The UFC 299 fight card is filled with talented fighters and compelling contests. Gilbert Burns (22-6) takes on dangerous Australian power puncher Jack Della Maddalena (16-2) in a matchup of ranked Welterweights. This is a classic striker vs grappler matchup between Burns, who is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion, and Della Maddalena who has eleven wins by knockout. Burns is 37 and is ten years older than his opponent. Oddsmakers are siding with the youth and athleticism of Maddalena, making him a (-175) Betting favorite. If Burns can get the fight to the ground he has a serious chance at victory.
Prediction: Gilbert Burns by Submission
Another fight to look out for on UFC 299 is a Bantamweight showdown between former champion Petr Yan (16-5) and team Alpha Male product Song Yadong (21-7-1). Yan has struggled since losing the belt going 1-4 in his last five fights. On that run, Yan faced elite competition like Merab Dvalishvili, Sean O’Malley, and Aljamain Sterling. Yadong is 26 years old and on a tear recently going 4-1, with wins over Ricky Simon and Chris Gutierrez. Yan has many miles on his clock and has been through wars even before entering the UFC.
Prediction: Song Yadong by Decision
The UFC 299 prelims begin at 5 p.m. CST on ESPN+. The Main Card will start at 9 p.m. CST on PPV.
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