UFC action returns this weekend with the 300th edition of the promotion taking place in Sin City. The main event sees Alex Pereira face off against Jamahal Hill. Josh Gaillard previews.
Prepare for an extraordinary showcase at UFC 300 this Sunday as Las Vegas sets the stage for a historic moment in combat sports. From the early prelims to the dual headlining championship fights, every bout promises excitement. Two-division champion Alex Pereira faces off against stripped light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill in a battle for undisputed glory. But before that, Chinese royalty Weili Zhang defends her title against compatriot Xiaonan Yan in the highly anticipated co-main event.
Main Event
Alex Pereira 7/10 | Jamahal Hill 1/1 (Light Heavyweight Championship)
In a clash for undisputed glory, two-division champion Alex Pereira squares off against stripped light-heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill. As the octagon door closes behind these two formidable fighters, the age-old adage resonates: “You’re not truly a champion until you defend your belt.”
A two-division champion is a rare breed in the UFC, yet Alex Pereira (9-2) accomplished just that, seizing gold in the light heavyweight division last November with a stunning knockout of Jiri Prochazka. In his latest performance, Pereira flaunted his striking mastery, connecting with 72% of his significant strikes with pinpoint accuracy. With each outing, Pereira cements his status as one of the UFC’s most imposing strikers, leaving adversaries marvelling at his prowess. Now, having faltered in defending the middleweight title, can he replicate his success in the light heavyweight division?
Jamahal Hill (12-1) seized UFC gold in January 2023, only to be stripped of his title due to injury. Now, 10 months post-surgery, Hill is primed to reclaim what fate once denied him. At 32 years old, he embodies resilience and skill in the Octagon, leveraging his towering 1.93m height and 200.7cm reach. Renowned for his defensive striking prowess from the southpaw stance, Hill deftly evades opponents’ strikes with precision, showcasing tactical brilliance. With each bout, he reaffirms his status as a formidable presence in the UFC, captivating audiences with his dynamic fighting style.
Verdict: Jamahal Hill Win 1/1
Utilizing his exceptional defensive striking skills and elusive footwork, Hill will look to frustrate Pereira, capitalizing on his opponent’s tendency to lunge forward with powerful strikes. Pereira’s downfall lies in his susceptibility to counterattacks when overcommitting, a flaw that Hill will exploit with precision timing and calculated counterstrikes.
As the fight progresses, Hill’s strategic approach and ability to dictate the pace will lead him to a decisive victory, crowning him the new light heavyweight champion.
Top Treble for UFC 300:
Hill Win 1/1
Holloway Win 13/10
Garbrandt Win 9/4
Treble to win at 14/1
Full card predictions
Main Card: 04:00 CAT, Sunday 14 April
- Light Heavyweight Championship Alex Pereira (c) (7/10) vs (26/25) Jamahal Hill: Hill
- Strawweight Championship (W) Zhang Weili (c) (19/100) vs (16/5) Yan Xiaonan: Weili
- Lightweight Justin Gaethje (56/100) vs (13/10) Max Holloway: Holloway
- Lightweight Charles Oliveira (17/10) vs (21/50) Arman Tsarukyan: Oliveira
- Middleweight Bo Nickal (3/100) vs (8/1) Cody Brundage: Nickal
Prelims: 02:00 CAT, Sunday 14 April
- Light Heavyweight Jiří Procházka (91/100) vs (8/10) Aleksandar Rakić: Procházka
- Featherweight Calvin Kattar (13/10) vs (11/20) Aljamain Sterling: Sterling
- Bantamweight (W) Holly Holm (3/1) vs (20/100) Kayla Harrison: Harrison
- Featherweight Sodiq Yusuff (N/A) vs (N/A) Diego Lopes: Lopes
Early Prelims: 00:00 CAT, Sunday 14 April
- Lightweight Jalin Turner (38/100) vs (18/10) Renato Moicano: Turner
- Strawweight (W) Jéssica Andrade (69/100) vs (21/20) Marina Rodriguez: Andrade
- Lightweight Bobby Green (51/100) vs (7/5) Jim Miller: Green
- Bantamweight Deiveson Figueiredo (29/100) vs (9/4) Cody Garbrandt: Garbrandt
