Welcome to the ultimate guide for UFC 303, set to light up the octagon tonight! This stacked card promises a night of electrifying action with some of the most thrilling matchups we’ve seen this year. From striking battles to grappling masterclasses, UFC 303 has it all. Here, we’ll delve into each fight, provide our expert predictions, and offer insights into why these fighters are set to shine.
Event Details:
- Date: Tonight, June 29, 2024
- Time: Prelims start at 6:00 PM ET, Main Card kicks off at 10:00 PM ET
- How to Watch: Tune in to ESPN+ for the prelims and the main card.
Main Card Predictions and Analysis
Alex Pereira vs Jiri Prochazka
Prediction: Alex Pereira via KO/TKO
Confidence: High (85%)
Rationale: Alex Pereira’s striking accuracy and lethal power make him a daunting opponent. Prochazka’s unorthodox style, while entertaining, leaves gaps in his defense that Pereira is well-equipped to exploit. Expect Pereira’s devastating left hook to play a pivotal role in securing a knockout victory.
Brian Ortega vs Diego Lopes
Prediction: Brian Ortega via Submission
Confidence: Medium (65%)
Rationale: Ortega’s elite grappling and submission skills are likely to be the deciding factor in this matchup. Lopes has shown vulnerabilities on the ground, and Ortega will be looking to capitalize on any mistakes. Expect Ortega to work his way to a dominant position and secure a submission finish.
Anthony Smith vs Roman Dolidze
Prediction: Anthony Smith via Decision
Confidence: Medium (60%)
Rationale: Smith’s experience and technical striking give him a slight edge in this contest. While Dolidze is a powerful and dangerous opponent, Smith’s resilience and tactical approach should see him through to a decision victory.
Mayra Bueno Silva vs Macy Chiasson
Prediction: Mayra Bueno Silva via Decision
Confidence: Medium (70%)
Rationale: Silva’s well-rounded skill set and toughness are likely to be too much for Chiasson. While Chiasson has the reach and striking ability to cause problems, Silva’s ability to mix up her attacks and her durability should earn her the nod from the judges.
Ian Machado Garry vs Michael Page
Prediction: Ian Machado Garry via Decision
Confidence: Medium (60%)
Rationale: Garry’s balanced fighting style and strategic mindset give him an advantage over the flashy but risky Michael Page. Garry’s ability to adapt and control the pace of the fight should lead to a decision victory.
Joe Pyfer vs Marc-Andre Barriault
Prediction: Joe Pyfer via KO/TKO
Confidence: Medium (65%)
Rationale: Pyfer’s aggressive striking and knockout power could be the deciding factor in this bout. Barriault has shown vulnerability to heavy hitters, and Pyfer will look to exploit this with his relentless attack.
Prelims Predictions and Analysis
Cub Swanson vs Andre Fili
Prediction: Andre Fili via Decision
Confidence: Medium (55%)
Rationale: Fili’s youth, speed, and versatility might outpace the veteran Swanson. While Swanson’s experience is invaluable, Fili’s dynamic approach and ability to mix up his attacks should lead to a competitive decision win.
Charles Jourdain vs Jean Silva
Prediction: Charles Jourdain via KO/TKO
Confidence: High (75%)
Rationale: Jourdain’s diverse striking arsenal and aggressive style are likely to overwhelm Silva. Silva has shown defensive lapses in the past, and Jourdain’s pressure should result in a stoppage victory.
Payton Talbott vs Yanis Ghemmouri
Prediction: Payton Talbott via Decision
Confidence: Low (55%)
Rationale: Talbott’s wrestling and control could edge out Ghemmouri in a close contest. While Ghemmouri is a formidable opponent, Talbott’s ability to dictate the pace and control positions should earn him a decision win.
Michelle Watterson-Gomez vs Gillian Robertson
Prediction: Gillian Robertson via Submission
Confidence: Medium (65%)
Rationale: Robertson’s superior grappling and submission skills are likely to be too much for Watterson-Gomez. Expect Robertson to find an opening and secure a submission victory.
Andrei Arlovski vs Martin Buday
Prediction: Martin Buday via KO/TKO
Confidence: Medium (60%)
Rationale: Buday’s power and Arlovski’s chin, which has been suspect in recent fights, suggest a knockout win for Buday. Arlovski’s best days may be behind him, making Buday the favorite in this matchup.
Rei Tsuruya vs Carlos Hernandez
Prediction: Carlos Hernandez via Decision
Confidence: Medium (60%)
Rationale: Hernandez’s tactical approach and striking volume are expected to win out in a technical battle against Tsuruya. Hernandez’s ability to control the fight and land significant strikes should lead to a decision victory.
Ricky Simon vs Vinicius Oliveira
Prediction: Ricky Simon via Decision
Confidence: High (80%)
Rationale: Simon’s wrestling and relentless pressure are likely to control the fight, leading to a clear decision victory over Oliveira. Simon’s ability to maintain a high pace and dominate on the ground makes him the favorite.
Picks Section
| Matchup | Predicted Winner | Confidence (Winner) | Method of Outcome | Confidence (Method) | Will it Go the Distance? | Confidence (Distance) | Summary/Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Pereira vs Jiri Prochazka | Alex Pereira | High (85%) | KO/TKO | High (80%) | No | High (90%) | Pereira’s striking precision and power, especially his left hook, make him a formidable threat. Prochazka’s unorthodox style leaves openings that Pereira can exploit. |
| Brian Ortega vs Diego Lopes | Brian Ortega | Medium (65%) | Submission | High (75%) | No | Medium (70%) | Ortega’s grappling and submission skills are superior. Lopes has shown vulnerabilities on the ground, which Ortega can capitalize on. |
| Anthony Smith vs Roman Dolidze | Anthony Smith | Medium (60%) | Decision | Medium (65%) | Yes | Medium (60%) | Smith’s experience and technical striking edge out Dolidze. Smith’s durability will likely see the fight through to the judges. |
| Mayra Bueno Silva vs Macy Chiasson | Mayra Bueno Silva | Medium (70%) | Decision | Medium (70%) | Yes | High (80%) | Silva’s all-around game and resilience give her the edge. Chiasson’s striking might be neutralized by Silva’s ground game. |
| Ian Machado Garry vs Michael Page | Ian Machado Garry | Medium (60%) | Decision | Medium (65%) | Yes | High (75%) | Garry’s well-rounded skill set and strategic fighting approach give him a slight edge over Page’s flashy but risky style. |
| Joe Pyfer vs Marc-Andre Barriault | Joe Pyfer | Medium (65%) | KO/TKO | Medium (60%) | No | Medium (65%) | Pyfer’s aggressive striking and power advantage could overwhelm Barriault, who has been susceptible to heavy hitters. |
| Cub Swanson vs Andre Fili | Andre Fili | Medium (55%) | Decision | Medium (60%) | Yes | Medium (65%) | Fili’s youth, speed, and versatility might outpace the veteran Swanson, leading to a competitive decision win. |
| Charles Jourdain vs Jean Silva | Charles Jourdain | High (75%) | KO/TKO | Medium (70%) | No | Medium (60%) | Jourdain’s striking diversity and aggression are likely to overwhelm Silva, who has shown defensive lapses in past fights. |
| Payton Talbott vs Yanis Ghemmouri | Payton Talbott | Low (55%) | Decision | Medium (60%) | Yes | Medium (70%) | Talbott’s wrestling and control might edge out Ghemmouri in a close contest, relying on positional dominance. |
| Michelle Watterson-Gomez vs Gillian Robertson | Gillian Robertson | Medium (65%) | Submission | Medium (70%) | No | Medium (65%) | Robertson’s ground game and submission prowess are key, particularly against Watterson-Gomez’s less effective ground defense. |
| Andrei Arlovski vs Martin Buday | Martin Buday | Medium (60%) | KO/TKO | Medium (65%) | No | Medium (60%) | Buday’s power and Arlovski’s chin, which has been suspect in recent fights, suggest a knockout win for Buday. |
| Rei Tsuruya vs Carlos Hernandez | Carlos Hernandez | Medium (60%) | Decision | Medium (65%) | Yes | High (75%) | Hernandez’s tactical approach and striking volume are expected to win out in a technical battle against Tsuruya. |
| Ricky Simon vs Vinicius Oliveira | Ricky Simon | High (80%) | Decision | High (75%) | Yes | High (85%) | Simon’s wrestling and relentless pressure are likely to control the fight, leading to a clear decision victory over Oliveira. |
Tune in tonight for what promises to be a night of unforgettable action. Whether you’re a seasoned fight fan or new to the sport, UFC 303 is set to deliver a spectacular show. Don’t miss it!