In 2020, Sean O’Malley was a young contender on the rise to potential stardom. He was undefeated, with his professional record sitting at an impressive 12-0. O’Malley ran into Marlon “Chito” Vera at UFC 252 in August of that year, and suffered the first and only loss in his career. Flash forward four years later, and O’Malley is now the bantamweight champion of the UFC, and will make his first title defense in a rematch against Vera at UFC 299. The co-main event of the evening features lightweight veteran Dustin Poirier, welcoming on rising contender Benoît Saint Denis. Fan favorite, Kevin “Big Mouth” Holland also takes on Michael “Venom” Page in the featured bout of the night. It’s one of, if not the most exciting event of the year, and a full breakdown of the UFC 299 main card can be found below.
UFC 299 Main Card:
Petr Yan (16-5-0) vs. Song Yadong (21-7-1, 1NC):
Opening the UFC 299 main card is a bantamweight matchup between former champion, Petr Yan and rising contender Song Yadong. With Yan’s top five ranking inside the division, and Yadong just on the outskirts ranked at number seven, this fight has major implications on the line. Starting with Petr, he’s been on an unfortunate losing skid since his disqualification loss against Aljamain Sterling in March, 2021. However, looking back on those losses and the way the bouts went, Yan should not be overlooked in this matchup against Yadong. His boxing and footwork is crisp, but he can’t find himself starting slow, since it’s a three-round fight.
Yadong on the other hand, has been on the rise in the bantamweight division, winning five out of his last six fights. Three have ended by way of knockout. He’s also a prominent boxer, with fast and heavy hands. Two fighters with similar styles is always an interesting matchup to watch, and when a top five ranking is on the line it makes it that much more exciting.
Official Prediction: Petr Yan by split decision
Gilbert Burns (22-6-0) vs. Jack Della Maddalena (16-2-0):
Following the opening bout on the main card is a high stakes matchup between two welterweight contenders. Gilbert Burns and Jack Della Maddalena is one of the most interesting three-round matchups the promotion has ever scheduled. Burns, a world-class grappler and UFC title contender has been treading at the top of the welterweight division for some time now. He takes on a surging contender in the division, Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena. Burns suffered an injury to his shoulder in his last match against Belal Muhammad, and is looking for a bounce back win over the talented boxer Maddalena.
Jack Della Maddalena is 7-0 in the UFC, with impressive victories over the likes of Randy Brown and Kevin Holland. Maddalena is looking to crack into the top 5 of the division with a statement win over Burns. Maddalena will have to deal with the grappling, and potential takedowns Burns throws his way. His takedown defense percentage is impressive, standing at an 82% through his seven fights. Will burns have his way in the grappling department, or will it be another striking clinic put on by Della Maddalena?
Official Prediction: Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision
Kevin Holland (25-10-0, 1NC) vs. Michael Page (21-2-0):
If one thing is true, it’s that Kevin Holland will fight anyone, anywhere and at any given point in time. This weekend, he takes on Michael Page in the featured bout of the night. This matchup against Holland will be the debut of former Bellator star Michael “Venom” Page. Holland always finds a way to bring positive energy into the octagon, and his personality is unlike any we’ve seen in mixed martial arts. He claims he will “catch the snake” in his bout against Page. The banter that has occurred between the two during fight week has shown this fight is going to be one for the fans. Who comes out victorious in this one? Go ahead and flip a coin to find out.
Official Prediction: Michael Page by split decision
Dustin Poirier (29-8-0, 1NC) vs. Benoît Saint Denis (13-1-0, 1NC):
The co-main event features one of the best lightweights in the history of the division, welcoming on a rising contender who has finished his last five opponents. Dustin Poirier has been competing inside the UFC octagon since 2011, and this Saturday he’ll reach another landmark in his already hall of fame worthy career. His bout against Benoît Saint Denis this weekend will mark the 30th time Poirier has competed inside the UFC octagon. An accomplishment most UFC athletes will never be able to reach during their careers.
However, Poirier has no time for celebrating as the man he’s going up against has been on a tear. Saint Denis is 5-1 inside the UFC octagon, and is on a five fight win streak. He’s found a way to finish his opponent in all five of those victories. Porier will be the toughest test of his career without a doubt. The only unanswered question left, is Saint Denis the next big thing, or will Poirier find a way to stop the current hype train surrounding him?
Official Prediction: Dustin Poirier by KO/TKO
Sean O’Malley (17-1-0, 1NC) vs. Marlon Vera (21-8-1):
The main event of the UFC 299 main card features a highly anticipated rematch between “Suga” Sean O’Malley and Marlon “Chito” Vera. The two first met in the co-main event of UFC 252, in August of 2020. O’Malley badly damaged a nerve in his foot during the very first round. Vera patiently took advantage of the in-octagon injury, and got a finish on top of O’Malley before the second round could even begin. While life has been great for both fighters since that date, the reality is that O’Malley is now the bantamweight champion of the world. After a knockout finish of Aljamain Sterling in front of a sold out crowd in Boston, Massachusetts. O’Malley’s dreams of becoming world champion finally came true. He has an opportunity this weekend to achieve another one of his goals. Avenging his only professional loss inside the octagon.
Chito is also chasing his dreams this weekend. Not only to become champion, but to be the first Ecuadorian in history to do so. Out of the 700+ athletes who are under contract, there is only one Ecuadorian. Marlon Vera first stepped into the UFC octagon in November of 2014. Ten years later, he now prepares for his long awaited title shot against a former foe. Does O’Malley right his wrong Saturday night? Or will Chito show the world that nothing has changed since 2020? Fans around the world find out at UFC 299, live from Miami, Florida.
Official Prediction: Sean O’Malley by KO/TKO
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