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UFC 299 is set to bring an action-packed weekend back to Miami, featuring one of the deepest undercards of the year, and headlined by a Bantamweight division championship grudge match between Sean O’Malley and Marlon Vera 2. 

As always, we’ve previewed the weekend’s fights and provided betting tips to boost your chances of success this weekend. 

 
**Sean O’Malley vs Marlon Vera 2** 

In the main event, O’Malley and Vera face each other for the second time in the UFC.  Vera inflicted the only loss of O’Malley’s professional career in August 2020 at UFC 252, securing a submission victory in the first round.  

O’Malley is a flamboyant and powerful fighter, averaging 7.25 significant strikes per minute with a remarkable 61% accuracy. Vera, on the other hand, lands 4.37 significant strikes per minute with a 50% accuracy and absorbs 5.16 shots (compared to O’Malley’s 3.51). Vera delivered 18 strikes in their last encounter, targeting O’Malley’s leg, and securing a TKO victory. O’Malley disputes that loss, calling himself undefeated and you can be sure of the determination on his part to seek revenge.  

Vera boasts victories over formidable opponents like Rob Font and Dominick Cruz, while also landing 141 shots against Pedro Munhoz. O’Malley, on the other hand, also has several notable wins, with those against Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling via power punches the most prominent. 

**Verdict:** This title fight promises to be intense and could potentially go the distance. In our bet prediction, we anticipate that O’Malley will land more strikes, giving him a decent chance to secure the judges’ decision in his favor. 

● Bet on Sean O’Malley to win 

**Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint Denis** 

Despite losing two of his last three fights, Dustin Poirier remains one of the best lightweight fighters in the world with a record of 29-8-1.  Most of his losses came against elite fighters like Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Equally, he has impressive victories against MMA legends, including Conor McGregor (twice), Max Holloway, Eddie Alvarez, and more.  

Poirier is renowned for his formidable strength, frequently landing over a hundred shots in fights. However, he also endures considerable damage, absorbing an average of 4.30 significant strikes per fight. In his latest win against Michael Chandler, he secured a submission victory, marking his eighth career submission win. However, his preferred method to finish fights is by knockout, which makes up almost 50% of his wins. 

His opponent, Benoit Saint Denis boasts an impressive 13-1-1 overall record, including a 5-1 UFC record. His only UFC loss came in his welterweight debut against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. Since moving to the UFC Lightweight Division, the French fighter has been dominant, winning all five fights, with two victories coming by submission, and three by KO/TKO. 

**Verdict:** Saint Denis lands 5.53 significant strikes per minute and is currently averaging 4.55 takedowns per 15 minutes, and while those stats are impressive, he has never faced an opponent as good as Poirier. Given that this is a five-round fight, Poirier’s experience should allow him to dig deep and stay competitive for as long as possible. Consequently, our bet of the day is for him to win the fight by points. 

● Bet on Dustin Poirier to win 

**Kevin Holland vs Michael Page** 

Kevin Holland is a talented and versatile fighter with black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Kung Fu. He also gained a wealth of experience in kickboxing before fully committing to MMA.  His MMA record stands at 25-10-1, with losses primarily against elite opponents like Stephen Thompson, Khamzat Chimaev, and Marvin Vettori.  

Holland lands 4.39 significant strikes per minute and has a strike accuracy of 49%, and in his recent fight, he lost by a split decision to Jack Della Maddalena, despite landing 127 significant strikes, 27 more than his opponent.  

Michael ‘Venom’ Page is making his UFC debut but is no stranger to the fight scene. He is one of the best strikers in MMA and holds the record for most knockouts in the history of Bellator.  

His overall record is 21-2, with a couple of big victories under his belt, including Douglas Lima and Goiti Yamauchi. 

He’s extremely fast and powerful with long legs and arms, making it difficult for opponents to get near him. However, if there’s someone who can stop him, it’s Kevin Holland. 

**Verdict:** These two fighters are similar, both excelling in kickboxing with a tall stature for welterweights. The fight is likely to be a striking duel, but one of our daily bet tips is for Holland to defeat Page via submission in three rounds. 

● Bet on Kevin Holland to win  

● Bet on over 2.5 rounds  

**Curtis Blaydes vs Jailton Almeida** 

Curtis Blaydes and Matheus Almeida are set to face off in what promises to be an intriguing matchup.  

Blaydes, known for his powerful striking and exceptional takedown skills, averages an impressive 3.56 significant strikes and 5.93 takedowns per 15 minutes. Despite his undeniable talent, the American has faced several setbacks on his journey to a title shot, often stumbling against underdog opponents. 

On the other side of the octagon, Matheus Almeida boasts a flawless 6-0 record in the UFC, earning his place after an impressive run on Dana White’s Contender Series. Almeida has showcased his grappling prowess, averaging 2.78 significant strikes and 5.14 takedowns per 15 minutes. His recent victories, including six takedowns against Derrick Lewis and a submission win over Jairzinho Rozenstruik, highlight his evolving skill set. 

**Verdict:** While Blaydes may hold the upper hand in terms of experience and grappling skills, Almeida possesses the superior striking ability, and we back the Brazilian to secure an upset here.  

● Bet on Jailton Almeida 

**Katlyn Chookagian vs. Maycee Barber** 

Maycee Barber averages 4.60 significant strikes per minute with a 52% strike accuracy and a takedown average of 1.14 per 15 minutes. She is currently riding a five-fight win streak with a takedown defense of 45%, making her a formidable opponent for anyone at the moment.   

Katlyn Chookagian, a.k.a, Cerminara, lands 4.59 significant strikes per minute with a 34% strike accuracy. She had a chance to come into this fight with a five-fight streak, but her four-fight win streak was broken by Manon Fiorot, who landed 98 significant strikes. Chookagian’s kicks are deadly, and she will likely rely on them here. This means that this fight could be a classic as Barber’s striking skills are exemplary, despite her average ground game.  

In her last fight, Barber demonstrated overwhelming pressure and pace against Amanda Ribas, going the distance and finishing the fight decisively. She also tends to control the ground, and if you’re looking for expert betting tips, back Barber to win on points. 

● Bet on Maycee Barber to win 

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The short answer? YES. The long one? Visit our blog for a comprehensive preview of UFC 299 markets & other exciting events this weekend!

Betting Tips

UFC 299 Betting Preview: O’Malley vs Vera 2