UFC 309 main card preview & free betting picks | Nov 16, 2024

Veteran lightweights Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler fill the co-main event slot for UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden this Saturday night. The main card contains a series of short-priced favourites, meaning punters may have to focus on the likely methods of victory to squeeze value from this pay-per-view event. Read on for BettingPlanet’s fight previews and top picks.

Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic

Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic

The UFC 309 main event is one for the ages. Jon Jones returns at long last to defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic, a two-time former champion looking to wind back the clock. See our Jones vs Miocic betting preview here.

Charles Oliveira vs Michael Chandler

Charles Oliveira vs Michael Chandler

Charles Oliveira (34-10-0) remains one of the best BJJ practitioners in the UFC. The Brazilian has an astounding 21 submission wins on his professional record and should enjoy a solid grappling advantage in this matchup. However, Oliveira’s chin has looked a little susceptible in recent times, which is a concern in the latter stages of his career.

Michael Chandler (23-8-0) has endured a murderous row of opponents since signing with the UFC in 2021. His only wins have come against Dan Hooker and Tony Ferguson, with the former Bellator champion losing to Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier. The 38-year-old appears to have put together one of his best training camps in preparation for this contest, and he might be a little mispriced with leading UFC betting sites.

Bo Nickal vs Paul Craig

Bo Nickal vs Paul Craig

Bo Nickal (6-0-0) has swept all before him since making his UFC debut in 2023, posting three straight stoppage wins. The former wrestling champion faces a rise in class in New York but appears to be an exciting talent with unlimited upside at this point. The 28-year-old may well call out a top-10 opponent if his winning run continues.

Paul Craig (17-8-1) has struggled for consistency since 2022, with two wins and four losses to show for his efforts. The 36-year-old holds a black belt in BJJ and boasts 13 submissions on his record, but he might be outmatched in all departments against a young and ruthless athlete. Craig will have a point to prove, but this looks like a tough ask.

Viviane Araujo vs Karine Silva

Viviane Araujo vs Karine Silva

Viviane Araujo (12-6-0) has struggled for form in the last two years, with one win and three losses to her name. Before this slide, the Brazilian was shaping as a top-five contender, but at 37 years of age, she might have lost her edge. Most of her wins have come via the scorecards, and she will likely be on the back foot against a more aggressive and tenacious opponent throughout this contest.

Karine Silva (18-4-0) rides a nine-fight win streak into this bout and is expected to soon contest for the women’s flyweight crown. The 30-year-old combines solid striking power with a range of submission attacks, and 17 of her 18 professional wins have come inside the distance. Silva is another short-priced favourite with top online bookmakers and should find another stoppage win at Madison Square Garden.

Mauricio Ruffy vs James Llontop

Mauricio Ruffy vs James Llontop

Mauricio Ruffy (10-1-0) brings a wave of hype into his second UFC fight after making an impressive entry in May. All 11 of the 28-year-old’s professional bouts have been decided via knockout, and he made short work of Jamie Mullarkey with an opening-round barrage on his UFC debut. This appears another favourable matchup for the Brazilian as his momentum grows.

James Llontop (14-4-0) is another UFC newcomer, with two fights in the premier MMA promotion. The 25-year-old was choked out on debut in a nervous display before looking more assured in a split-decision loss to Viacheslav Borshchev in his second outing. The Peruvian’s early career contains some wild knockouts, but he would be unwise to bring an overly attacking strategy to this dangerous matchup.

Sports betting picks