Featuring one of the most stacked lineups in the promotion’s history, Saturday’s tricentennial celebration lives up to the promises made by Dana White and the UFC brass. So with a card littered with storylines and significant bouts, what are five of the biggest questions ahead of UFC 300?
Join MMA Fighting’s Shaun Al-Shatti, Alexander K. Lee, and Jed Meshew as they set the table for a historic weekend.
1. Which of the Four Championship Headliners Has the Most to Prove?
Al-Shatti: Hill is the only correct answer.
Lee: Yan Xiaonan.
Meshew: Weili has the most to lose this Saturday, and thus the most to prove.
The intrigue surrounding the championship headliners at UFC 300 is palpable. Each fighter carries a unique narrative and a weight of expectations, but who will emerge with the most to prove? For Al-Shatti, the spotlight falls squarely on Jamahal Hill, the enigmatic figure whose meteoric rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. Lee, however, shifts the focus to Yan Xiaonan, the underdog with a point to prove against the reigning champion. Meshew, on the other hand, argues that Weili Zhang’s legacy hangs in the balance, making her the fighter with the most to lose come Saturday night.
2. Who’s Fighting for the Lightweight Title After UFC 300?
Lee: Islam Makhachev. But it could be Charles Oliveira again!
Al-Shatti: Unfortunately for the many lightweight contenders competing on Saturday, the answer belongs off the board: It’s Dustin Poirier.
Meshew: Holloway finally finishing his story.
The lightweight division is renowned for its depth and unpredictability, and UFC 300 promises to deliver more of the same. Lee and Al-Shatti engage in a debate over potential contenders for the lightweight title, with Makhachev, Oliveira, and Poirier all emerging as front-runners. Meanwhile, Meshew offers a compelling narrative centered around Max Holloway’s quest to cement his legacy in the division. As speculation runs rampant, fans eagerly await the resolution of this gripping storyline.
3. Who Not in a Championship Fight at UFC 300 Will Be in One Next?
Al-Shatti: Aljamain Sterling.
Lee: It’s Holly Holm.
Meshew: Jiri Prochazka!
The UFC is a breeding ground for future champions, and UFC 300 presents an opportunity for rising stars to shine. Al-Shatti, Lee, and Meshew each offer their insights into potential contenders for future title bouts. From Aljamain Sterling’s bid for glory to Holly Holm’s quest for redemption, the octagon is rife with possibilities. However, it is Jiri Prochazka who captures Meshew’s imagination, signaling a new era of dominance in the light heavyweight division.
4. Who on the Prelims Is Most Likely to Steal the Show?
Lee: Calvin Kattar, this is your moment.
Al-Shatti: The Jim Miller nostalgia hour is nearly upon us.
Meshew: Kayla Harrison.
As the spotlight shines on the main card, the prelims offer a stage for emerging talents to make their mark. Lee, Al-Shatti, and Meshew highlight the fighters they believe are poised to steal the show. From Calvin Kattar’s quest for redemption to Jim Miller’s nostalgic resurgence, the preliminary bouts promise fireworks. Meanwhile, Kayla Harrison’s highly anticipated debut adds an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of action.
5. Will This Card Sell 1 Million Pay-Per-Views?
Lee: UFC 300 clears a million buys easy.
Meshew: No, I actually think it doesn’t.
Al-Shatti: UFC 300 will clear 1 million pay-per-view buys for three simple reasons.
As the anticipation reaches a fever pitch, the question on everyone’s mind is whether UFC 300 will reach the coveted milestone of 1 million pay-per-view buys. Lee, Meshew, and Al-Shatti offer their perspectives on the matter, weighing factors such as star power, promotional efforts, and fan interest. Despite differing opinions, one thing is certain: UFC 300 is poised to make a significant impact in the world of combat sports, reaffirming its status as the premier destination for MMA action.
In the buildup to UFC 300, excitement is palpable, and fans worldwide are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable night of fights. With stakes high and legacies on the line, the tricentennial celebration of the UFC is set to make history once again.