The preparations for UFC 300 are underway, with hints of a lot to anticipate. As we edge closer to the biggest fighting event of the year, let's dive in and see what's new and different for fans and fighters.
In 2024, all eyes were on UFC 300. This event, which marked the company's 300th milestone, generated a great deal of excitement. Once the fights were announced, fans were given a taste of what promised to be an unforgettable event.
Despite not being able to fulfill all their plans, Dana White and his team have gathered an exciting UFC event that fans are sure to appreciate. According to the buzz and recent reports, there's even more action in store leading up to the event.
Exciting gear updates expected at UFC 300 weigh-ins
There have been rumors about the UFC unveiling new fighter gear, including gloves, at the UFC 300 weigh-ins. The new gloves have been in testing phase for some time now. Even after an update before UFC 287, we've seen eye pokes happening in matches like the one in UFC Atlantic City last month.
Fans are hoping that the new gloves will not just be a rebrand but a switch to Trevor Wittman’s gloves. UFC lightweight Chase Hooper suggests the new gloves are entirely different and better than the UFC's old ones.
Besides, we've seen the reveal of new, personalized fighting shorts for some athletes. Max Holloway's dream of a floral print kit is now a reality. Similarly, Alex Pereira got shorts with tribal warrior designs, and UFC strawweight champion Xhang Weili and BMF title owner Justin Gaethje also got their own unique shorts.
UFC 300 lineup
In the past, UFC 100 and UFC 200 were packed with extraordinary fights. Though there's no super fight at the main event this time, UFC 300 is compensating with a lineup of 12 current and past champions - some of the biggest stars in mixed martial arts at present. As a result, UFC 300 is predicted to set new records at the T-Mobile Arena, potentially pulling in a $15 million gate.
At UFC 300, the light heavyweight title is up for grabs. This was announced after UFC 298. Alex Pereira, who had previously been the middleweight champion, will face Jamahal Hill. Hill gave up his title due to an injury but is returning to compete in the 205-pound category.
An exciting title fight is set for the event in Vegas, with a match between two Chinese fighters for the women's strawweight championship. Weili ( 24 - 3) is hoping for her second successful title defense against Xiaonan, who has (17 - 3).
Featherweight champion Holloway (25-7) is set to test his mettle in the 155-pound category by going against Gaethje (25-4), who is putting his "BMF" title on the line. This match surely promises an engaging spectacle for the fans.
The lightweight clash between Oliveira (34 wins - 9) and Tsarukyan (21 - 3) is another surefire crowd-pleaser. The ex-champion from Brazil is all set to face up against the upcoming star from Armenia, as they contest for a title shot in the 155-lb category.
Former college wrestling star and current middleweight Nickal (5 - 0) is set to climb the ladder as he prepares to face Brundage (10 - 5). This could be Nickal's chance to prove himself on a grand stage, having previously challenged many top fighters in the 185-lbs division.
Procházka (29 - 4) and Rakić (14 - 3) are set for a thrilling light-heavyweight confrontation. Rakić hasn't stepped into the ring since mid-2022, while Procházka is eager to bounce back from his halt-lose to Alex Pereira.
Former bantamweight champion Sterling (23 - 4) is moving to featherweight in the UFC for the first time, facing Kattar (23 - 7).
Judo double-Olympic gold medalist, Harrison (16 - 1), has come onboard the UFC after cementing her MMA competence as a double champion in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Her first UFC face-off will be against the equally legendary women's fighter, Holly Holm (15 - 6), who boasts impressive records in UFC and boxing. The victor of this epic battle stands a strong chance of getting an immediate shot at the title.
Featherweight contender Yussuf (13 - 3) will go up against the formidable Brazilian Lopes (23 - 6). The last announcement for the card is the lightweight clash between Moicano (18 - 5) and Turner (14 - 7). Moicano is on a winning streak with two back-to-back victories, whereas Turner is fresh from a knockout win against Bobby Green in his last fight.
Former strawweight champion Andrade (25 - 12), who has been with UFC for ten years, recently ended a streak of three losses. She hopes to gain traction in another global title fight as she faces fellow Brazilian Rodriguez (17 - 3).
The experienced fighter, Miller (37 - 17), is set to make history as the only person to fight in UFC 100, UFC 200, and the upcoming UFC 300. He will face the tough Bobby Green (31 - 15) in the lightweight category.
Two previous UFC champions are set to face off in an exciting bantamweight match. Figueiredo (22 - 3) had a victorious debut in the bantamweight category, while Garbrandt (14 - 5) aims to secure three consecutive wins, something he hasn't done since 2016.
