UFC 307 main card tips, odds & predictions | Salt Lake City

The main card for UFC 307 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City this Sunday (AEDT) is stacked with current and former champions. Raquel Pennington and Julianna Pena will contest the women’s bantamweight title in the co-main event, Ketlen Vieira and Kayla Harrison face off for a potential shot at the crown, and veteran Jose Aldo returns against Mario Bautista. Read on for our fight previews and free betting picks.

Alex Pereira v Khalil Rountree Jr

Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree Jr

Can Khalil Rountree Jr spring an almighty upset when he takes on Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title? See our UFC 307 main event betting preview here.

Raquel Pennington v Julianna Pena

Raquel Pennington vs Julianna Pena

Raquel Pennington (16-9-0) has fought 17 times in the UFC, taking on the division’s best talent for a 12-5 record. The losses were inflicted by Holly Holm (twice), Jessica Andrade, Germaine de Randamie and Amanda Nunes — all former UFC champions. The 36-year-old seized the women’s bantamweight title with a dominant points win over Mayra Bueno Silva in January.

Julianna Pena (12-5-0) spectacularly dethroned Nunes — widely considered the greatest female MMA fighter of all time — in 2021 to claim the bantamweight title in one of the biggest upsets in the sport. Nunes prevailed in the rematch, however, and the score was never settled due to the Brazilian’s retirement. With a point to prove, Pena looks like great value in this evenly matched contest.

Jose Aldo v Mario Bautista

Jose Aldo vs Mario Bautista

Jose Aldo (32-8-0) announced his retirement from the UFC in 2022, but this marks his second fight since supposedly hanging up the gloves. The 38-year-old dominated the featherweight division during his younger years but has remained competitive following a move up to bantamweight. While the Brazilian is 4-1 since 2020, time is starting to catch up with him.

Mario Bautista (14-2-0) enters this bout on an impressive six-fight win streak. The 31-year-old boasts a high fight IQ, avoiding damage while accumulating points and hunting for submission opportunities. That style should prove effective in Utah, and online bookmakers are favouring Bautista to best a legend of the sport.

Ketlen Vieira v Kayla Harrison

Ketlen Vieira vs Kayla Harrison

Ketlen Vieira (14-3-0) has faced the judges in her last six bouts, winning four. The Brazilian was narrowly defeated by current women’s bantamweight champ Raquel Pennington in January 2023 via split decision but bounced back with a unanimous points win over Pannie Kianzad. She has drawn a tough assignment in Salt Lake City and is priced at generous odds with top UFC betting sites.

Kayla Harrison (17-1-0) made her UFC debut in April, submitting former champ Holly Holm to begin what is expected to be a run toward the title. The 34-year-old won almost every possible accolade as a judo champion, including numerous Olympic gold medals. She follows in the footsteps of Ronda Rousey and will be looking to jump into a contender’s position with another win.

Roman Dolidze v Kevin Holland

Roman Dolidze vs Kevin Holland

Roman Dolidze (13-3-0) returns to middleweight following a successful foray into the light heavyweight division. The 36-year-old has been inconsistent in recent times, struggling to produce the power that earned him three successive knockouts in 2022. The Georgian should have a strength advantage in this matchup, but he must remain active and busy on the feet if he hopes to prevail against an elusive opponent.

Kevin Holland (26-11-0) is talented in all facets of the MMA game but has been his own worst enemy in recent years, going 3-4 since 2022. The American can coast for entire rounds, producing only flashes of brilliance — an approach that does not win favour with judging panels. Holland does have a reach and agility advantage, but he is hard to support with any real confidence.

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