UFC 299 Preview & Predictions

UFC 299 takes place on March 10th (Australian time) in Miami at the Kaseya Center. UFC Bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley makes his first title defence against former foe Marlon Vera, Sean's only loss inside the octagon. The Co-main will feature a 5-round lightweight clash between Dustin Poirier and Benoit Saint Denis, while Curtis Blades will face off against Jailton Almeida at heavyweight. Let's get into some predictions!

Sean O'Malley vs Marlon Vera

UFC Bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley looks to settle the score with Marlon Vera after suffering his only loss at UFC 252. It ended in the first round after Sean suffered a nerve issue and was finished via TKO (elbows) from Marlon. Since then, Sean has been on an incredible run. With 5 straight wins (1 NC) and ultimately claiming the belt from Aljo. Marlon has also been on an impressive run since they met last time. With spectacular wins over Frankie Edgar and Dominick Cruz and only two decision losses (Sandhagen & Aldo).

Vera holds the skills to shut down the champion. He's got an incredible chin, great cardio and some dangerous striking. He's great at dictating the pace and pushing the pressure. However, I believe Sean is a lot more durable than their last meeting. He has the range and reach and his ability to time the knockout blow is something impressive. I think this will be a challenge for both men, but I predict Sean will come out on top.

Predictions: Sean O'Malley via decision

Dustin Poirier vs Benoit Saint Denis

The diamond faces off against Saint Denis in a 5-round lightweight bout. Where do I even start with Dustin. He's a future hall of famer, he's always fought the best and has certainly beaten some of the best. The former interim champ is coming off his first KO/TKO loss since 2016 when he fought Justin Gaethje for the BMF belt in July 2023. Although he was caught with a head-kick, his durability is never in doubt. With wins over Michael Chandler, Conor McGregor & Max Holloway, he's always up for a scrap. All Benoit's wins in the UFC have come via a finish. With 3 KO/TKO's and 2 submission victories. He's been moving up the rankings nicely and this will be his biggest test yet.

Saint Denis has only had one loss in the promotion and that was a controversial one. He is yet to face an elite contender like Dustin Poirier, an amazing all-round fighter. Poirier has some of the best cardio in the game and the power to turn the lights off anyone at lightweight. I think Saint Dennis will come out hot in an attempt to jump Dustin and try to throw him off his rhythm. However, you can't deny the experience and skill of Poirier, I think he finds his range in the second and picks him apart. 

Prediction: Dustin Poirier via KO/TKO

Kevin Holland vs Michael Venom Page

Page makes his highly anticipated UFC debut against Kevin Holland at Welterweight. This has FOTN potential written all over it. We've all seen MVP's crazy Bellator highlight reels. He's a technical KO artist who even gave Bare Knuckle Boxing a go against Mike Perry. Kevin Holland has also had a UFC career full of highlights. Who can forget his 5 fight-win streak in 2020? His unorthodox striking and crazy fight antics make him a fan favourite. With a change in weight classes, he's fought some tough competition, like a short-notice fight against Chimaev and a slugfest with Thompson. 

It's a tough one to call with these two, both have unique striking and raw natural talent. My only concern is MVP's age, he's pushing 36. I wish he ventured over to the UFC 5 years ago. Holland certainly holds the experience and has a stronger resume of recent. He only holds a reach advantage, which could hold off the MVP blitz's. I think it will be a unique fight, with some crazy techniques on display. 

Prediction: Holland via decision

Gilbert Burns vs Jack Della Maddalena

This Welterweight matchup is a cracker in my opinion. Unbeaten Aussie prospect takes on the tested contender. JDM is on a hot 7 fight win streak in the UFC, with some pretty sweet finishes over Randy Brown and Danny Roberts. He has some of the cleanest boxing in the UFC, with lovely setups and beautiful combinations. Burns has well and truly been battle-tested in the Octagon. Burns was predominately a grappler in the early days, but his striking and power has developed well. We saw him test Chimaev in a close loss, while also facing off against Usman, Jorge Masvidal and Tyron Woodley. 

This contest will be fun and it can go so many ways. Even the bookmakers are struggling to pick a winner out of the two. JDM holds a clear advantage on the feet. He has a great ability to find his range early and loves to mix it up with the body. Burns holds the upper hand in the grappling department, however, JDM has some pretty solid takedown defence. I think JDM scores well and beats him with his hands. 

Prediction: Della Maddalena via decision

Petr Yan vs Song YaDong 

This Bantamweight clash is anyone's to win here. Yan is looking to get back in the win column and a victory here could very well put him back in title contention. YaDong has been a hot prospect for a while now and this will be his biggest challenge yet. His biggest setback came via way of KO from Corey Sandhagen, but since then has raked up two handy wins. For Yan, it's been a crazy ride. The former Bantamweight Champion has suffered 3 consecutive losses since his win over Corey, but they've all been close. Being on the wrong end of 2 split decisions has hurt his resume, but he's still one of the best in the division. 

I think we forget how good Yan really is. You look at his last 4 fights and you don't think much. But he is a sublime boxer, has genuine power and can take you down. Yadong's toughest challenge was Corey Sandhagen and he looked out of his depth. For me, I think Yan puts on a masterclass and gets a late finish. Experience is everything and this is a must-win for him.

Prediction: Yan via KO/TKO

Checkout our other UFC Title Fight Previews and Tips