The annual UFC present from New York Metropolis’s well-known Madison Sq. Backyard is once more upon us with UFC 309! The cardboard is headlined by a heavyweight title combat one 12 months within the making between one of many best fighters to grace the octagon, Jon Jones and essentially the most profitable heavyweight in UFC historical past, Stipe Miocic.
The co-main occasion sees a five-round rematch at light-weight between the previous champion, Charles Oliveira and the all motion, Michael Chandler. Elsewhere, high 10 flyweights Karine Silva and Viviane Araujo conflict in a combat between potential stars. One other potential star in Bo Nickal returns for the hardest check of his profession as he clashes with veteran, Paul Craig. All through the cardboard, there’s a complete host of recognisable names, a few of whom will function in our greatest bets!
UFC 309 Finest Bets
Jon Jones by way of end
Jon Jones clashes with Stipe Miocic which is essentially seen as a retirement combat for each males. With Tom Aspinall ready within the wings for the winner, whatever the end result, we are going to doubtless see two pairs of gloves laid down within the octagon. Jones has the sting on this one, regardless of coming off an damage. Miocic will definitely be fighting ring rust, having been out of motion since March 2021 when he was brutally knocked out by Francis Ngannou. He’s with no win since 2020 and at 42 years previous, has been given the chance based mostly on earlier accolades. To say there are higher choices for Jones’ first title defence (such because the interim title holder) is an understatement.
Jones has extra weapons to his recreation and regardless of his solely heavyweight combat being a really beneficial match-up, he’s bought a number of the finest well-rounded abilities within the division. Count on Jones to combine in his wrestling to nullify Miocic’s energy and sure get it achieved by floor and pound, just like how he handled Alexander Gustaffson of their rematch.
Oliveira by way of end
Some of the entertaining fights of 2021 noticed Charles Oliveria and Michael Chandler conflict for the vacant light-weight title. In a back-and-forth battle, Oliveira caught Chandler within the second and was capable of end issues, capturing the belt. Since then, the Brazilian has gone 3-2, solely dropping to the champion and the subsequent title challenger. Chandler has gone 1-2, beating Tony Ferguson by way of brutal entrance kick knockout.
Oliveira has been extra energetic, having competed, albeit in a loss at UFC 300, whereas Chandler hasn’t been in motion since November 2022 in a dropping effort to Dustin Poirier. He has been sat out, dancing to the tune of Conor McGregor and ready for that combat which hasn’t materialised.
The sting on this one goes to Oliveria. He is aware of he can end Chandler, who has been badly damage in nearly each combat of his UFC profession thusfar. Sure, he’s in phenomenal form, nonetheless, having been out of motion for thus lengthy, now we have to ask the query whether or not he’s ‘battle prepared’? Oliveira appeared to let the combat towards Arman Tsarukyan get away from him at UFC 300, nonetheless, essentially the most harmful finisher in UFC historical past can have two extra rounds to get his work achieved at UFC 309. Count on a end by any means mandatory for Do Bronx, presumably late on.
Different bets to look out for:
Craig by way of determination
Some shops have Paul Craig as excessive as a +650 underdog. Sure, he’s the underdog, however what does he attempt to do in every combat? Floor his opponent and look to work his submission recreation. What does his opponent, Bo Nickal all the time look to do? Floor his opponent to work his wrestling recreation.
Nickal should be extraordinarily cautious when he mixes it up on the bottom with Craig as a result of because the Scot says, if he will get a maintain of an opponent, it’s both ‘faucet, snap or nap’!
Elliott by way of determination
The Welsh Gangster is again in motion for his third UFC bout, nonetheless, might be unlikely to get the end that he so desperately needs. After six straight choices, we’ll doubtless see him go quarter-hour as soon as once more as a result of toughness of his opponent, Basil Hafez. The Habibi has by no means been completed and went the total quarter-hour with Jack Della Maddalena on brief discover. Elliott by way of determination, again it.
Full Card Picks:
JonesOliveiraCraigAraujoRuffyMartinezWeidmanMillerDinizBrahimajElliottHardy
