The Biggest Stories Coming Out of UFC 300
UFC 300 is over, but fans aren't going to forget it any time soon. The historic event delivered on all fronts, from the promotion to the fights; the UFC was running on full steam all fight week. But what's next? What did we learn from the event? Today, we will discuss the biggest stories coming out of UFC 300.
Max Holloway Is HIM, And He Has Options
Despite being the third fight on the main card, the name everybody has in their mouths post-UFC 300 is Max "Blessed" Holloway. The future hall of fame fighter secured the upset against BMF Champion Justin Gaethje, KOing him brutally with a second left to go in the final round. He's now riding a three-fight win streak, his longest since losing the title to Alexander Volkanovski.
So, what's next? Holloway is the #1 contender at Featherweight, the symbolic BMF Champion, and is coming off a KO win over the #3 ranked Lightweight. He could choose to fight Ilia Topuria or take another fight at Lightweight to potentially earn a title shot there. Whatever is next for "Blessed," the world will be watching.
The oddsmakers are always confident in Israel Adesanya.
— Verdict (@TournamentsMMA) April 5, 2023
He's lost 3 fights to Alex Pereira, but the oddsmakers still have him as a favorite heading into this weekend.#UFC287 pic.twitter.com/0MF4krsH1v
You CANNOT Stand With Alex Pereira
Jamahal Hill spoke a very big game heading into UFC 300, and considering he's never been dropped, let alone KOed before in professional MMA, you can understand why. But Alex Pereira proved that you cannot stand on the feet with him, at Middleweight or Light-Heavyweight.
The oddsmakers are always confident in Israel Adesanya.
— Verdict (@TournamentsMMA) April 5, 2023
He's lost 3 fights to Alex Pereira, but the oddsmakers still have him as a favorite heading into this weekend.#UFC287 pic.twitter.com/0MF4krsH1v
Pereira has now finished Strickland, Adesanya, Prochazka, and Hill and earned a decision over Blachowicz. That's five former Champions he's been able to beat. His next opponent will likely be Magomed Ankalaev, and if the Russian wants to increase his odds of winning, he'll avoid the standup of "Poatan" at all costs.
Arman Tsarukyan Is The Best Next-Gen Lightweight
In the past two years, the Lightweight division has seen a surge of new contenders, and after his loss to Gamrot, many fans wrote off Tsarukyan. But one by one, the division's veterans have been holding down the fort, with Poirier KOing Saint-Denis, Gaethje beating Fiziev, and Dariush defeating Gamrot.
But no, Arman Tsarukyan, he would not be denied. "Ahalkalakets" ran through Dariush in December and has now secured a win over Charles Oliveira. Regardless of what you thought of the decision, Tsarukyan clearly demonstrated he belongs at the top of the division, and the matchup with Islam Makhachev is going to be incredible next.
Diego Lopes Is A Future Title Challenger
Diego Lopes was awarded the fastest finish at UFC 300. The Brazilian star has only been in the UFC for a year, but he already has fans in every corner of the earth. But outside of the funny haircut and fan-friendly fighting style, Lopes is a severe problem for 145.
His power is absurd for Featherweight, and while he lacks somewhat defensively on the feet, he makes up for it with his chin and relentless pressure. On top of that, he has a fantastic BJJ game, clearly on display with his fights against Gavin Tucker and Movsar Evloev. The division is wide open in the middle, and Lopes is going to come steaming through this year.
The oddsmakers are always confident in Israel Adesanya.
— Verdict (@TournamentsMMA) April 5, 2023
He's lost 3 fights to Alex Pereira, but the oddsmakers still have him as a favorite heading into this weekend.#UFC287 pic.twitter.com/0MF4krsH1v
What was your biggest takeaway from UFC 300? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know with a comment down below.
