UFC 300 Preview (Prelims)

Bobby Green vs Jim Miller

We will start at the bottom of the card, as Bobby Green is set to take on the man who fought at UFC 100 and 200, Jim Miller. It is rare to see two veterans with this much experience still at the top of their game. Both men have over 30 wins and 45 fights to their name and are still adding to that resume. Miller has shown the wear and tear of his experience more so than Bobby, but in his last outing Bobby was brutally stopped and sustained many more strikes than necessary. Miller will always be a threat, especially if he can get the fight to the ground, but Bobby is no slouch in defending takedowns, boasting a 74% takedown defense. If Bobbies head is in the right place, after having it knocked off last time out, he should be able to pick up the W.

My Pick: Bobby Green - RD 2 TKO

Jessica Andrade vs Marina Rodriguez

Next on the card, we have Jessica Andrade and Marina Rodriguez. Andrade was one of the most active fighters of 2023, with 5 fights to her name, but her activity could have led to her less-than-stellar record (2-3). In her defense, however, she fights only the best, with Rodriguez being another testament to that fact. Rodriguez was much less active, with only 2 fights in 2023 and another mediocre record of 1-1. Andrade has more tools to win with more experience to her name, which gives her the edge in this close matchup.

My Pick: Jessica Andrade – Dec

Jalin Turner vs Renato Moicano

A late edition to the card, Jalin Turner and Renato Moicano is going to be one hell of a fight. Turner is coming off a borderline murder of Bobby Green, and Money Moicanao has also been on a strong streak since his decision loss to RDA. I think Moicana catches a submission after possibly being dropped. Turners reach and striking without a doubt give him the edge on the feet, and he will also likely have the speed advantage there. But, Moicano undoubtedly has the advantage on the ground, and will be able to hold his own on the feet. The smart pick feels like Turner getting through with a decently comfortable decision, but don't be surprised if Moicano finds a way to make it real ugly. Tough to pick.

Jalin Turner - Dec

Sadiq Yusuff vs Diego Lopez

The third fight on the card is Sadiq Yusuff vs Diego Lopes. A win for Lopes would, without doubt, catapult him into the top 15 and would most likely warrant a fight against top 10 competition in his following bout. The latter is true for Yusuff as well. However, he would need an impressive showing to leapfrog the 11th-ranked Edson Barboza, who won a unanimous decision against Yusuff just a few months ago. As for my pick, this is another interesting match-up, especially in the striking game; however, similar to Andrade, Lopes has more tools to get the job done. Lopes has looked incredible since his UFC debut and soul loss against the current #5 ranked featherweight, the undefeated Mosvar Evloev. In his two fights since, Lopes finished both opponents in the first round.

My Pick: Diego Lopes – RD 3 Sub

Kayla Harrison vs Holly Holm

The long-awaited debut of Kayla Harrison is next on the card, and she will be matched up with a legend of the division and sport in Holly Holm. Holms's career has been up and down since being the one to dethrone Ronda Rousey in 205, whereas the same cannot be said about her next opponent, Kayla Harrison. Harrison has long been on the wish list for UFC fans due to her renowned judo skill and impressive MMA record of 16-1. Kayla will be tested in the UFC octagon against one of the best in the weight class's history. It is also worth mentioning that the winner of this fight is in razor-close proximity to a little fight in what is a wide-open division. Back to my pick, however, we have rarely seen someone be able to stop Kayla's takedowns, and despite Holm’s 79% takedown defense, I don’t think we are going to see it at UFC 300.

My Pick: Kayla Harrison – Dec

Deiveson Figueiredo vs Cody Garbrandt

The next fight on the card is in contention for the fight I am most excited for barring one (more on that later). Deiveson Figueiredo, in his second bantamweight bout, will take on the man with one of the greatest single performances of all time, Cody Garbrandt. Figueiredo looked phenomenal against Rob Font in his debut bantamweight fight, and what more it appeared like all his power and speed translated over beautifully. That being said Garbrandt is a slick fighter who is great at avoiding incoming shots. Garbrandt hasn’t had the best run of late, but this is a fight that will be decided by Garbrandt's defense. If you think he will be able to avoid the big shots of Figuereido while delivering enough damage in return, take Cody. I, however, don’t foresee that.

My Pick: Deiveson Figueiredo – RD 2 TKO

Aljamain Sterling vs Calvin Kattar

Next for UFC 300 is another former champion moving up in weight classes, this time for his debut. This will be Aljamain Sterling making his featherweight debut against Calvin Kattar. A win for either fighter would be absolutely huge and would most likely lead to a title eliminator in one of the most stacked divisions in the UFC. Kattar has seemed to be the benchmark of title contention for the featherweight division and this fight could change that. I wont beat around the bush, I think Aljamain will be able to secure the take down and find a submission in the later rounds of this fight, but id be leading you a stray if I didn’t mention the similarities of Kattar and the man who knocked Aljamain out, Sean O’Malley. Two lanky boxers with good timing and takedown defense, and a slight reach advantage. Now they are not identical of course, and O’malley has significantly better timing and worse takedown defense, but those stylistic similarities should be something to watchout for if you are a fan of Aljamain.

My Pick: Aljamain Sterling – RD 3 Sub

Jiri Prohaska vs Alexander Rakic

The main event of the prelims between Jiri Prohaska and Alexander Rakic is going to be a bloodbath. Both men are absolute warriors and there's not much to say other than, be sure to keep your eyes open. A fight between two predominant strikers, I think jiris unorthodox strikes will catch Rakic sooner rather than later. Pay attention anytime they are clinched near the fence, and watch for Jiri to break with an elbow of some kind. 

Jiri Prohaska - KO Rd 2