What to Expect at UFC 299 and Who to Bet on?

Feb 22, 2024
Fairfax

The Ultimate Fighting Championship 299: O’Malley versus Vera 2 is a scintillating promise that pits two fiercest titans against each other. Scheduled to be held at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, in March 2024, it also promises one of the biggest and most hopeful MMA events. With the stacked fight card, potential matchups may be jaw-dropping, where fans can brace themselves for adrenaline-packed action and memorable moments. Let’s delve deep into the world of UFC 299!

Fight Card Overview

UFC 299 goes down this March on the solidly packed card of more than 10 fights in four different weight classes, headlined by the bantamweight championship rematch pitting Sean O’Malley against Marlon Vera. Sean will now seek to avenge his first career loss, which he suffered against Marlon, who stopped him via a vicious leg kick in the first round at UFC-252. Both fighters come off impressive wins in their last outings and will aim to prove who the better striker is in this highly anticipated clash.

The second co-main event features Dustin Poirier, one of the most durable lightweights in the championship, fighting against Benoît Saint-Denis. Dustin, the former interim champion, boasts of having fought some of this sport’s biggest names. On the other hand, Denis is a newcomer in the world of MMA and has not only finished but won all of his 15 professional fights. This is a classic matchup of experience versus youth, power versus speed, and heart versus hunger.

Meanwhile, there will be a welterweight battle between Kevin Holland and Michael Page,  Gilbert Burns and Jack Della Maddalena on the undercard, and a bantamweight fight between Petr Yan and Song Yadong. Those three combined events have the potential for fireworks, as all five fighters are notoriously aggressive and show-stopping. It promises the fans action, knockouts, and submissions from the aforementioned match-ups and surely even some lucrative betting choices.

Key Storylines to Watch

The championship is set to feature some of the best fighters the world has to offer and a few of the most amazing stories the sport has witnessed. Below is a highlight of the indispensable storylines to focus on:

  • Bantamweights Sean O’Malley and Marlon Vera will finally get to settle their score at a bantamweight title rematch. O’Malley has it that this will be a chance to prove that his first loss to Vera was nothing but a fluke, and for his part, Vera insists, he will be able to recreate his TKO win and take the belt.
  • The lightweight clash will feature Dustin Poirier against Benoît Saint-Denis, who had a brief misunderstanding over his contract before accepting the fight. Poirier will be out for revenge for Justin Gaethje’s knockout, while Saint-Denis aims to extend his unbeaten run and shock the world.
  • In the heavyweight showdown, Curtis Blaydes was supposed to fight Jailton Aljson Almeida in November 2023, but Blaydes pulled out for reasons yet to be known. Blaydes seeks to be back in the title contention while the latter makes his statement in his UFC debut.

Top Betting Opportunities

UFC will provide a lot of potential betting opportunities for MMA fans. The great news is that whether you are a casual fan or a seasoned gambler, you can turn your attention to the sports betting sites listed at high-roller.vip to find the best available odds. The bantamweight title bout between Sean O’Malley and Marlon Vera is a main event highlight on these sites. O’Malley is pegged at -200 with a win probability of 64%. Vera, on the other hand, is at +170 but can rack up higher returns.

Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint-Denis is another solid bet in the lightweight class. While Poirier has had a down year, he’s a huge favorite to land a win over Saint-Denis in the fourth round. Saint-Denis carries a 60% implied probability of winning over Poirier, who is only a slight favorite.

Lastly, consider the Kevin Holland vs. Michael Page. Holland is favored at -141, but Page’s underdog status at +125 could be a value pick. Remember, each fight has its unique dynamics and potential upsets.

Star Fighters to Bet On

The contest features the fight between Sean O’Malley against Marlon Vera, both known for their knockout abilities. Sean, at a record of 17-1-0, enjoys a 64% win possibility, while Vera, at a history of 21-8-1, stands at a 36% chance. Their styles and recent performances go a long way in informed betting. Consider the moneyline odds for maximum returns: O’Malley is favored at -200, while Vera’s +170 return is tempting.

Underdog Picks and Upsets

Think of underdogs Jack Della Maddalena and Kyler Phillips at UFC 299. Maddalena is an ex-boxing champion with eight consecutive stoppage wins that can surprise Gilbert Burns. Phillips is an explosive fighter who could use his speed and creativity to secure an upset against Pedro Munhoz. Remember, identifying underdogs needs to analyze styles, records, trends, and motivation. For example, Vera wants revenge, Maddalena dies for recognition, and Phillips believes in his ability. Past upsets and trends also show the chances of an underdog winning. Underdogs won six out of 22 fights in the last two UFC events, a 27% success rate.

Final Thoughts

This championship is shaping to be one of the year’s most hair-raising and unpredictable matches. From the expected bantamweight title rematch to a co-main battle between two of the best lightweights in the world and more across many divisions, it truly is the all-encompassing fight card. No one should miss this event in the hunt for thrilling finishes, technical masterpieces, and potential upsets. Stay tuned on March 10, and place your bets wisely.

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