UFC 299 main card betting preview & top tips | O’Malley v Vera 2
| UFC 299 main card preview Latest MMA Odds & Fight Info | |
|---|---|
| When | Sunday, March 10 – main card from 2pm AEDT |
| Where | Kaseya Center – Miami, United States |
| Watch Live | Foxtel, Kayo, UFC Fight Pass |
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 tips.
Sean O’Malley v Marlon Vera fight preview
Sean O’Malleyvs 
Marlon Vera |
| -294.12 at BetOnline | UFC betting odds | +225 at BetOnline |
| 17-1-0 | MMA record | 23-8-1 |
| 29 | Age | 31 |
| 5’11” | Height | 5’8″ |
| 135lbs | Weight | 135lbs |
| 72″ | Reach | 70.5″ |
| USA | Nationality | USA |
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 fight preview
Dustin Poiriervs 
Benoit Saint-Denis |
| +167 at BetOnline | UFC betting odds | -212.77 at BetOnline |
| 29-8-0 | MMA record | 13-1-0 |
| 35 | Age | 28 |
| 5’9″ | Height | 5’11” |
| 155lbs | Weight | 155lbs |
| 73″ | Reach | 73″ |
| USA | Nationality | France |
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.
Benoit Saint-Denis by submission
Kevin Holland v Michael Page fight preview
Kevin Hollandvs 
Michael Page |
| -129.87 at BetOnline | UFC betting odds | +110 at BetOnline |
| 25-10-0 | MMA record | 21-2-0 |
| 31 | Age | 36 |
| 6’3″ | Height | 6’3″ |
| 170lbs | Weight | 170lbs |
| 81″ | Reach | 79″ |
| USA | Nationality | UK |
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.
Michael Page to win
Gilbert Burns v Jack Della Maddalena fight preview
Gilbert Burnsvs 
Jack Della Maddalena |
| +135 at BetOnline | UFC betting odds | -166.67 at BetOnline |
| 22-6-0 | MMA record | 16-2-0 |
| 37 | Age | 27 |
| 5’10” | Height | 5’11” |
| 170lbs | Weight | 170lbs |
| 71″ | Reach | 73″ |
| USA | Nationality | Australia |
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 top UFC bookmakers.
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 UFC betting sites have him priced far too short.
Gilbert Burns to win
Petr Yan v Song Yadong fight preview
Petr Yanvs 
Song Yadong |
| -123.46 at BetOnline | UFC betting odds | +104 at BetOnline |
| 16-5-0 | MMA record | 21-7-1 |
| 31 | Age | 26 |
| 5’7″ | Height | 5’8″ |
| 135lbs | Weight | 135lbs |
| 67″ | Reach | 67″ |
| Russia | Nationality | China |
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.
