UFC 300 is shaping up to be an event for the ages, featuring a lineup so stacked it’s hard to know where to begin. With 11 current or former world champions gracing the card, including legends and rising stars alike, the anticipation is sky-high.
The one and only, Arnold ‘Almighty’ Allen, a featherweight contender himself, offers his insights and predictions on some of the most eagerly awaited clashes.
Watch the full video above or check out the summary of fights below, and make sure to follow Arnold on Instagram at here!
Highlighted Fights and Predictions:
- Sodiq Yusuff vs. Diego Lopez: This bout is a significant test for both fighters. Yusuff, known for his striking, faces a versatile opponent in Lopez, who boasts impressive submissions and boxing skills. Allen suggests Yusuff’s best chance lies in keeping the fight standing, though even then, it’s a challenging matchup. Lopez’s ability to be dangerous both on the feet and the ground slightly tips the scale in his favor, according to Allen.
- Aljamain Sterling vs. Calvin Kattar: Sterling’s featherweight debut against Kattar is intriguing. Kattar’s measured jab and takedown defense could pose problems for Sterling, known for his wrestling and unorthodox movement. Allen leans towards Kattar, citing his ability to manage distance and his effective sprawl against Sterling’s potential wrestling onslaught.
- Yiri Prochazka vs. Alexander Rakic: This light heavyweight bout features two fighters with the power to end the fight at any moment. Prochazka’s unorthodox style and Rakic’s solid striking and kicking game make this a hard fight to call. Allen sees Rakic’s leg kicks as a potential key to victory but acknowledges Prochazka’s unpredictability as a factor that could swing the fight in his favor.
- Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan: In what Allen describes as one of the most anticipated matchups, Oliveira’s striking and jiu-jitsu go up against Tsarukyan’s wrestling and comprehensive skill set. While Oliveira’s submission game is formidable, Allen predicts Tsarukyan’s mobility and wrestling will give him the edge in this contest.
- Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway: The BMF title fight between Gaethje and Holloway at lightweight is expected to be a war. Initially favoring Gaethje for his power, Allen reconsiders, noting Holloway’s mobility and volume striking could frustrate Gaethje. Ultimately, Allen selects Holloway, believing his ability to move and adapt could lead him to victory.
- Weili Zhang vs. Yan Xiaonan: For the women’s strawweight title, Allen sees Zhang’s strength and all-around ability as too much for Yan. Despite Yan’s recent knockout win and her ability to set traps, Zhang’s physicality and skill set are expected to prevail.
- Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill: In the light heavyweight title fight, Allen emphasizes the need for Hill to disrupt Pereira’s rhythm and avoid playing into the champion’s striking game. While Pereira’s power is undeniable, Allen suggests Hill’s best strategy is to make the fight messy and exploit any opportunities to wrestle or clinch.
Allen’s Picks:
- Diego Lopez over Sodiq Yusuff
- Calvin Kattar over Aljamain Sterling
- Alexander Rakic over Yiri Prochazka (with reservations)
- Arman Tsarukyan over Charles Oliveira
- Max Holloway over Justin Gaethje
- Weili Zhang over Yan Xiaonan
- Alex Pereira over Jamahal Hill (with a strategy for Hill to potentially upset)
UFC 300 promises to be a night of unforgettable action, with matchups that have fans and fighters alike buzzing with anticipation. Allen’s breakdown provides a fighter’s perspective on what to expect and who to watch as the UFC celebrates another milestone event.
