2024 UFC Fight Night: UFC 299 Betting Predictions
Get ready for an electrifying showdown at UFC 299 in Miami, USA. Two titans of the Octagon, Sean O'Malley and Marlon Vera, are set to collide in a highly anticipated battle.
Sean O’Malley vs Marlon Vera
At 27 years old, O'Malley boasts a UFC record of 9 wins, 1 loss, and 1 No Contest. Emerging as one of the top bantamweights in the sport, the American entered the UFC scene after triumphing in the inaugural season of Dana White's Contender Series. Renowned for his elite striking abilities and formidable KO power, O'Malley secured the championship title by knocking out Aljamain Sterling in his recent bout. While displaying few vulnerabilities throughout his career, durability remains a concern as he has suffered injuries in multiple fights.
At 31 years old, Vera boasts a UFC record of 15 wins and 7 losses. Originating from Ecuador, he emerged as a remarkable discovery for the UFC following his appearance on The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America a decade ago. Transitioning from a journeyman to a legitimate title contender, Vera's arsenal includes impressive striking abilities and formidable submission techniques. Renowned for his durability and exceptional cardio, he faces challenges with being frequently struck and susceptible to takedowns, revealing weaknesses in his game. Nevertheless, armed with an iron chin and dangerous skills, Vera remains a prominent contender in the 135-pound division.
If things go as planned, we'll see a lot of hard hits. If O'Malley can somehow get the fight to the ground and land some punches, he might win. Same goes if they stay standing, but Vera's pretty crafty there. He'll be aiming to hit O'Malley from all directions, even going for his legs. It's gonna be a quick fight, so I'm betting on the Under.
Head to Head Record
Vera beat O’Malley at UFC 252.
Best Bet
Dustin Poirier vs Benoit Saint-Denis
Becoming a star in the MMA world, Dustin Poirier rose to prominence after securing victories against Conor McGregor in consecutive fights in 2021. Known for his reliability as a headline fighter in the UFC, Poirier has established himself as a formidable presence in the octagon. His recent bouts have seen a mix of results, including a notable win against Michael Chandler, as well as losses to Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje.
Displaying impressive winning form, French fighter Saint-Denis has showcased his prowess by finishing his last five opponents. Despite this recent success, Saint-Denis encountered defeat in his debut match against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, although it's worth noting that this bout took place in a higher weight class. Despite his achievements, Saint-Denis has yet to compete against opponents of the caliber of Poirier, presenting a new challenge for the rising fighter.
Betting on this fight going 3 rounds or over looks good value. Saint Denis hasn't really been pushed in terms of stamina yet, so if he can't finish Poirier quickly, who knows how he'll handle a longer match.
Head to Head Record
Yet to face each other in the UFC.
Best Bet
Petr Yan vs Song Yadong
Former champion Petr Yan finds himself in a challenging position as he prepares for an upcoming fight after nearly a year of inactivity and facing a three-fight losing streak. Despite this, his defeats against opponents like Aljamain Sterling, Sean O'Malley, and Merab Dvalishvili are deemed understandable given their caliber. Despite his previous achievements, Petr Yan is currently considered the underdog in his upcoming bout against Song Yadong, adding an extra layer of pressure as he looks to reclaim his former glory.
Less than 24 months ago, Yadong faced a setback when he was stopped by Cory Sandhagen, a fighter Petr Yan had previously defeated during the same period. While Yadong is acknowledged for his entertaining style and displayed promise in his recent match against Chris Gutierrez, his victories over Ricky Simon and Marlon Moraes are not regarded as particularly impressive. These contrasting performances add an element of unpredictability to Yadong's upcoming fight.
This matchup is tough since both fighters have ways to win. But overall, the matchup favors Yan to outstrike Song over fifteen minutes, as long as he starts strong and maintains his pace.
Head to Head Record
No fights in UFC just yet.
Best Bet
