UFC 300: How Will the UFC’s Biggest Card of the Year Play Out?

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On April 13th, the biggest MMA promotion in the world will hit the stage at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, to host what is presumably going to be the pinnacle of mixed martial arts entertainment as the UFC puts on one of the biggest shows in the history of the promotion: UFC 300. 

Stacking a card will always increase the hunger of MMA fans, which is exactly what the UFC has done with the 300 card. UFC 300 is stacked top to bottom and features some of the most anticipated fights of the year. Its stacked meter is highlighted by the first fight of the entire card featuring two of the UFC’s former champions in Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Cody Garbrandt. The card also features 12 current or former UFC champions and holds the record for the most ranked fighters on a card in the promotion’s history. 

The UFC has made it a tradition of making every 100th UFC event as stacked as possible, as it’s basically the Super Bowl of MMA. UFC 100 featured some of the most notable fighters in the promotion’s history, many of whom have been inducted into the UFC’s Hall of Fame. UFC 200 featured the return of Brock Lesnar while also sporting five title fights, while UFC 300 is set to host some of the most anticipated match-ups in today’s era of MMA. 

However, the card has come under some controversy online due to some MMA fans questioning the bouts set to be sanctioned on the card. Fans had their expectations set extremely high for this card, as the UFC promoted it like it was going to be the Super Bowl of MMA. For most fans, the bouts on the card have either exceeded or met their expectations, however, it seems the casual fans were expecting to have Godzilla vs. Kong as the main event. 

Although it’s come under some controversy, true MMA fans will be grateful for the masterpiece the UFC’s matchmaking team has assembled. With that being said, how will the fights on the UFC’s biggest card of the year play out?

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The card's main event features the current champion of the light heavyweight division Alex Pereira, taking off the former champion of the division Jamahal Hill, who was forced to vacate the belt due to an injury. 

Alex Pereira has already conquered two divisions in the UFC, due to his world-class kickboxing ability and unfathomable power. Hill has some of the best footwork the light heavy-weight division has ever seen, while also having the ability to generate some ridiculous power. The two will clash for the undisputed light heavyweight belt, where fans should avoid blinking as either one of their lights could be shut off within a split second. 

The co-main event features the former champion of the women’s strawweight division, Zhang Weili, defending her belt against a surging contender, Yan Xiaonan. Weili is an absolute killer who is known for her ability to dominate every aspect of the fight, whether it be standing or grappling. Her only potential weakness which has been exposed in the past is her chin, which Xiaonan could easily capitalize on. 

Xiaonan has some of the most technical and crisp striking the UFC has ever seen. She’s not afraid to get dirty and stand in the pocket, which could be an issue for Weili. However, Weili has been on an absolute tear since her knockout loss to Rose Namajunas, and it’s tough to see her losing any time soon.  

Another featured bout on the card is between Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje, two knockout artists who will be battling it out for the Baddest Male Fighter (BMF) Belt in a five-round slugfest. Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje earned the BMF Belt after knocking out Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 with a swift head kick which put the Louisiana native to sleep. He earned the nickname “The Highlight” from receiving 10 performance bonuses, and will look to receive another in a bout against Max Holloway. 

However, standing in his way is Max Holloway - a future UFC Hall of Famer and easily one of the best fighters in the history of the promotion. Holloway could easily be considered the best boxer the UFC has ever seen, holding the record for the most significant strikes landed in UFC history with 3056. He also has never been knocked out in 28 fights in the UFC. His chin will be put to the test however, when he comes up against Gaethje, who is arguably one of the greatest knockout artists the UFC has ever seen.

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Despite the unnecessary controversy due to some fans questioning the level of entertainment this card is set to deliver, most UFC fans know that this card will be one for the ages. 

While it may not have the promotion's biggest stars on the card like Jon Jones, Conor Mcgregor, Khamzat Chimaev or Israel Adesanya, the matchups on this card are guaranteed to produce fireworks and set T-Mobile arena on fire. 

As the countdown for UFC 300 begins, fans should make their plans now and set aside the entire day on April 13th. If you’re even the smallest of MMA fans, this is not something you’re going to want to miss, as the entire card will be one of the best shows the UFC will ever put on.

Edited By: Ayantika Ghosh

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