UFC 299 main card preview, betting picks & odds | March 9, 2024

The main card for UFC 299 at the Kaseya Center in Miami is co-headlined by MMA legend Dustin Poirier and the surging Benoit Saint-Denis. Other highlights include the enigmatic Kevin Holland, who welcomes Michael Page to the UFC; veteran Gilbert Burns against Australian upstart Jack Della Maddalena; and former bantamweight champ Petr Yan looking to climb the mountain again when he takes on Song Yadong. Read on for our top UFC betting picks.

Sean O’Malley v Marlon Vera

Sean O’Malley vs Marlon Vera

Can Sean O’Malley right his wrongs and defeat Marlon Vera in Miami? Read our free betting preview and best bets here.

Dustin Poirier v Benoit Saint-Denis

Dustin Poirier vs Benoit Saint-Denis

Dustin Poirier (29-8-0) has hinted that his long and storied career might be coming to an end. The 35-year-old made his UFC debut in 2011 and has carved out a successful run that includes an interim lightweight title and a pair of blockbuster victories over Conor McGregor. Poirier was most recently knocked out by Justin Gaethje, and he has drawn another tough assignment against a dangerous young challenger here.

Benoit Saint-Denis (13-1-0) has reeled off five straight stoppage wins since 2022 and is considered a future challenger at 155 pounds. The Frenchman combines excellent striking with an elite submission game and can make a huge splash with a win in this co-main event. He has only faced the judges once as a professional, resulting in a strange loss to Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, but has otherwise looked like a technical and tactical master throughout his bouts.

Kevin Holland v Michael Page

Kevin Holland vs Michael Page

Kevin Holland (25-10-0) is a difficult fighter to support given his hot-and-cold performances. He is one of the most naturally talented welterweights on the roster but regularly squanders opportunities for reasons that remain a mystery. The 31-year-old has two wins and three losses since 2022 and will need to bring his A-game to this difficult assignment.

Michael Page (21-2-0) makes his UFC debut after a lengthy stint with the rival Bellator promotion. The 36-year-old is coming off a leg kick TKO in March 2023 after losing a shot at the interim welterweight championship. Page is a tall striker with a long reach, and he matches favourably against a similar physical specimen here.

Gilbert Burns v Jack Della Maddalena

Gilbert Burns vs Jack Della Maddalena

Gilbert Burns (22-6-0) has shared the cage with the best welterweight talent with wins over Jorge Masvidal, Neil Magny and Stephen Thompson, and losses to Khamzat Chimaev and Usman Kumara. The Brazilian is a phenomenal grappler and has submitted nine opponents as a professional. The 37-year-old might have lost a yard in the last year or two, but we are very confident about his chances in this matchup — especially at the odds on offer with the best UFC betting sites.

Jack Della Maddalena (16-2-0) was fortunate to get the judges’ nod against Bassil Hafez and Kevin Holland in his last two fights. The Aussie might have been overhyped given his rapid rise since earning a UFC contract, and an opponent of this calibre might isolate some deficiencies. The 27-year-old is a crisp striker with a dangerous left hand, but the online sportsbooks have him priced far too short.

Petr Yan v Song Yadong

Petr Yan vs Song Yadong

Petr Yan (16-5-0) has continued to slide since losing his bantamweight belt to Aljamain Sterling in a controversial disqualification. The Russian has since been beaten by Sterling in a rematch, Sean O’Malley in a razor decision, and Merab Dvalishvili in an obvious beatdown. The 31-year-old has also worn a lot of damage and needs to find a lift if he is to get back on track.

Song Yadong (21-7-1) has compiled a handsome run of five wins and one loss since 2021, with the defeat coming at the hands of perennial contender Corey Sandhagen. The 26-year-old hits with solid power but has struggled somewhat with endurance in the past, with four of his career losses coming via the scorecard. A win here would give the Chinese athlete a top-five ranking and a chance at competing for the belt soon.

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