UFC 303 main card predictions & top betting picks | June 29, 2024

Saturday’s UFC 303 main card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas features a featherweight bout between perennial contender Brian Ortega and the surging Diego Lopes. Other highlights include a welterweight bout between the unbeaten Ian Machado Garry and the ever-dangerous Michael Page, and a matchup between top 10 women’s bantamweights Mayra Bueno Silva and Macy Chiasson.

Alex Pereira v Jiri Prochazka

Alex Pereira vs Jiri Prochazka

Can Jiri Prochazka wrest the light heavyweight crown from Alex Pereira at the second time of asking? See our UFC 303 main event betting preview here.

Brian Ortega v Diego Lopes

Brian Ortega vs Diego Lopes

Brian Ortega (16-3-0) is one of the toughest featherweights on the UFC roster and enters this contest after an impressive submission win over Yair Rodriguez. The 33-year-old famously came within seconds of claiming the 145-pound title when almost choking out Alexander Volkanovski in 2021 and has been working towards another shot at the belt ever since.

Diego Lopes (24-6-0) has galloped through the grades since making his UFC debut in May 2023. The Brazilian has won three straight bouts, and a win here would catapult him into the top five. The 29-year-old fought extensively on provincial circuits before the call-up and boasts a well-rounded grappling and striking skill set.

Anthony Smith v Roman Dolidze

Anthony Smith vs Roman Dolidze

Anthony Smith (38-19-0) is a tireless warhorse who never shies from a challenge and has made a quick turnaround since scoring a first-round submission win over Victor Petrino less than two months ago. The 35-year-old can become a little slow and flat-footed late in his bouts but presents a constant threat when fresh and energised.

Roman Dolidze (12-3-0) has endured a pair of frustrating decision losses following a stellar run of three successive knockout victories in 2022. The 35-year-old has a fraction of the big-fight experience of his opponent but has avoided the same volume of damage during his days as a professional athlete, so he might be the fresher man.

Mayra Bueno Silva v Macy Chiasson

Mayra Bueno Silva vs Macy Chiasson

Mayra Bueno Silva (10-3-1) returns after a disappointing effort when challenging for the women’s bantamweight crown against Raquel Pennington in January 2024. The Brazilian entered as a short-priced favourite with online bookies but was unable to assert her submission-heavy gameplan and must rebuild from the loss to earn another shot at the UFC gold.

Macy Chiasson (10-3-0) has been hit-and-miss in recent times with two wins and two losses since 2021. The 32-year-old will enjoy a sizeable height and reach advantage and will be keen to work her looping strikes from long range and avoid the superior grappling and dirty boxing of her opponent.

Ian Machado Garry v Michael Page

Ian Machado Garry vs Michael Page

Ian Machado Garry (14-0-0) is building as the next Irish superstar, combining a lengthy win streak, confident swagger, and high-level trash talk to propel his notoriety. The 26-year-old throws powerful kicks but will be without his normal physical advantages in this matchup against a fighter with a similar physique. UFC betting sites are expecting a close contest, with Garry slated as only a slight favourite.

Michael Page (22-2-0) made the switch from rival promotion Bellator in 2024 and chalked up instant success with a decision win over Kevin Holland. The 37-year-old shows no signs of slowing down, and his strong kickboxing base will prove useful in the striking components of this bout. Page is long and rangy, and if he can establish a snapping jab, he might halt Garry’s career momentum over three close rounds.

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