UFC 300 Preview and Predictions By Brett Cagle
Alex Pereira (9-2) vs Jamahal Hill (12-1)
In the main event of UFC 300, Alex Pereira defends his light heavyweight title against former champion Jamahal Hill. After suffering a devastating Achilles injury, this will be Hill’s first fight back in over a year. Pereira has captured gold at two weight classes in the UFC and has one-punch knockout power that can end the fight at any moment. Hill said Wednesday at UFC 300 media day that he plans to stand and trade with the former kickboxing world champion. Pereira enters this fight at online sportsbooks as a (-130) betting favorite.
I do not see this fight going to the ground. Periera is the more experienced and technical striker, but Hill is an impressive athlete. In his last fight with Jiri Prochazka, Periera showed that his power translates to a bigger weight class. I expect Pereira to get the job done in the matchup if the fight stays standing. This will be an action-packed main event that should end this historic fight card with fireworks.
Prediction: Alex Pereira by Knockout
Justin Gaethje (25-4) vs Max Holloway (25-7)
The most competitive contest on the card may be the BMF title fight between fan favorite Justin Gaethje and former featherweight champion Max Holloway. Gaethje won this unique championship with a head-kick knockout over Dustin Poirier last July. Holloway is moving up in weight for this matchup in his second attempt at competing at lightweight. Holloway has won his last two fights and finished Chan Sung Jung in South Korea. Gaethje will enter this contest as a (-160) betting favorite.
Gaethje has a collegiate wrestling background but rarely uses his ground game. Holloway is one of the best boxers in the UFC and will look to put volume on Gaethje throughout this five-round fight. He was susceptible to leg kicks in Holloway’s trilogy with Alexander Volkanovski. Gaethje has some of the most powerful kicks on the roster and may look to target Holloway's legs early.
Prediction: Justin Gaethje by Decision
Charles Oliveira (34-9) vs Arman Tsarukyan (21-3)
Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira takes on rising prospect Arman Tsarukyan in a fight that could easily determine the next title challenger at 155 pounds. Oliveira and Tsarukyan hold knockout wins over Beniel Dariush, and each is a world-class grappler. Tsarukyan is 27 and this will be the biggest fight of his young career. Oliveira has faced the best competition the sport offers and is 4-1 in his last five, with his only loss coming to champion Islam Makhachev. Tsarukyan went the distance with Makachev in his UFC debut. Oliveira enters this matchup as a betting underdog (+180) at online sportsbooks.
When two grapplers are matched up, the fight occurs on the feet. Just look at the Kamaru Usman-Colby Covington series as an example. Tsarukyan is a very coordinated athlete who has legitimate power in his hands. Oliveira is a durable fighter who pressures his opponents from the opening bell. In Tsarukyan’s other UFC loss, he was defeated by grappler Matruesz Gamrot. Oliveira has more ways to win the fight, in my opinion.
Prediction: Charles Oliveira by Submission