UFC 308 is set to deliver high-octane action, and the main card offers matchups that have fans buzzing. The Ringside Report Network team—Dave Simon, Fred Garcia, and AJ D’Alesio—sat down to break down the main fights on the card, offering their insights and predictions for what will go down in Abu Dhabi. Let’s dive into their analysis of the main card.
UFC 308 Main Event: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway: Featherweight Title Showdown
The fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway is one of the most anticipated of UFC 308. Topuria, the 27-year-old sensation, is unbeaten and hungry for a shot at UFC gold. His knockout power, ground game, and confidence have made him a dangerous opponent for anyone. However, standing in his way is Max Holloway, a living legend in the featherweight division.
Dave Simon shared his thoughts on the fight, noting that while Holloway is one of the toughest and most skilled fighters, this could be Topuria’s time. “Topuria is the irresistible force, and Max Holloway has been this perennial championship contender. Holloway’s been there forever, but I think Topuria is going to get it done,” said Dave. Although he wasn’t 100% certain, Dave leaned towards a Topuria win, possibly by a finish in the first couple of rounds. “Holloway could survive into the later rounds, but Topuria’s power could be too much early on.”
AJ D’Alesio agreed with Dave, adding that he didn’t think the fight would go the distance. “Holloway is tough, but I think this ends by knockout. Topuria’s striking and knockout power are going to show here,” AJ stated. He also highlighted Holloway’s wear and tear, saying that although Holloway has never been knocked out, the battles he’s been through could catch up to him in this fight.
However, Fred Garcia went against the grain, sticking with Holloway as his pick. “It’s not like we’re seeing a diminished Holloway,” Fred pointed out. He noted that Holloway looked great in his recent fights and feels that if Holloway can withstand the early pressure from Topuria, he could win by decision. “If Topuria beats Holloway, that’s a big win, but Holloway’s not done yet,” Fred said, confident in Holloway’s ability to weather the storm and find success in the later rounds.
Prediction: The Ringside Report Network is split, with Dave and AJ picking Topuria by knockout, while Fred believes Holloway will take it by decision.
UFC 308 Co-Main Event: Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev: Middleweight Clash
The middleweight bout between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev promises to be an exciting test for both fighters. Chimaev is undefeated in the UFC, and his wrestling-heavy style has made him a feared contender. However, Robert Whittaker is a former champion with a well-rounded game, making him one of the toughest opponents Chimaev has ever faced.
Fred Garcia made a bold prediction by picking Whittaker to win, despite the odds being in Chimaev’s favour. “The odds are off. Whittaker’s been in there with the best of the best, and I don’t think Chimaev’s faced anyone quite like him yet,” Fred explained. He highlighted Whittaker’s experience and ability to adapt as key factors in this fight. Whittaker has faced elite wrestlers before, and Fred is confident he can neutralize Chimaev’s wrestling.
Dave, however, sees it differently. “Chimaev is dangerous, and his wrestling is going to be a problem for Whittaker,” Dave stated. He thinks that Chimaev’s relentless pressure and ability to control his opponents on the ground will make it difficult for Whittaker to implement his striking game.
AJ was in agreement with Dave on this one, adding “Chimaev’s a beast, and he’s only getting better. Whittaker’s tough, but I see Chimaev’s wrestling being too much for him.” AJ and Dave both predict a unanimous decision victory for Chimaev, though they acknowledge that it won’t be an easy fight for him.
Prediction: Fred picks Whittaker, while Dave and AJ go with Chimaev by decision.
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic: Heavy Hitters Collide
This light heavyweight battle features two of the division’s most powerful strikers, and it’s expected to be one of the most explosive fights of the night. Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic both possess knockout power, making this a must-watch for fans of stand-up wars.
Dave Simon and AJ D’Alesio both sided with Ankalaev in this matchup. “Ankalaev has been looking sharp, and his striking is cleaner than Rakic’s,” Dave said. He believes that Ankalaev’s ability to mix things up, whether standing or on the ground, will be the difference-maker in this fight. AJ also pointed to Ankalaev’s knockout power, saying he could see a stoppage in the third round.
Fred Garcia, on the other hand, cautioned that Rakic’s power makes him dangerous, and he could land something big if Ankalaev isn’t careful. While Fred still picked Ankalaev, he acknowledged that Rakic could pull off a surprise if Ankalaev doesn’t respect his striking ability.
Prediction: Ankalaev by TKO in the third round, according to Dave and AJ. Fred leans towards Ankalaev but warns of Rakic’s knockout potential.
UFC 308 Betting Tips and Final Predictions
This UFC 308 card offers several intriguing options for those looking to place bets. Ilia Topuria, with his youth and momentum, is a solid pick to take the featherweight title. Khamzat Chimaev’s grappling dominance makes him a strong choice in the middleweight bout, while Magomed Ankalaev’s well-rounded skill set could be the key in the light heavyweight clash. Adding Lerone Murphy and Shara Magomedov to your parlay could boost the odds, as both are entering their fights as slight favourites.
When it comes to betting, each of the Ringside Report hosts has their own unique approach:
- Dave Simon’s Parlay: Ilia Topuria, Robert Whittaker, Magomed Ankalaev. His parlay bet offers a solid return, as he feels confident in these fighters’ chances of winning.
- Fred Garcia’s Parlay: Max Holloway, Robert Whittaker, and Rafael Dos Anjos. Fred’s parlay is the most risky, but the payout potential is massive if it hits.
- AJ D’Alesio’s Parlay: Ilia Topuria, Khamzat Chimaev, Magomed Ankalaev, Lerone Murphy, and Shara Magomedov. AJ went with a five-fight parlay for UFC 308, believing that all these fighters will come out on top, including Topuria and Chimaev.
- Dave Simon’s Parlay:
- Ilia Topuria (Main Event)
- Robert Whittaker (Co-Main Event)
- Magomed Ankalaev
- Payout: $20 to win $109
- Fred Garcia’s Parlay:
- Max Holloway
- Robert Whittaker
- Rafael Dos Anjos
- AJ D’Alesio’s Parlay:
- Ilia Topuria
- Khamzat Chimaev
- Magomed Ankalaev
- Lerone Murphy
- Shara Magomedov
- Payout: $20 to win $134
These parlays reflect their top picks for UFC 308, and there are some interesting differences in their confidence in certain fighters.
Key Takeaways for UFC 308
- Ilia Topuria’s power and speed make him poised to make a statement in the featherweight division, but Holloway’s endurance could prove a challenge.
- Khamzat Chimaev’s wrestling will be the deciding factor against Robert Whittaker, as the fight will likely be won or lost on the ground.
- Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic are set for an explosive fight, with Ankalaev’s patience and power likely carrying him to victory.
UFC 308 Conclusion
UFC 308 is shaping up to be a fantastic card with key matchups that could define the future of their divisions. The featherweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway is a classic case of the rising star versus the seasoned veteran, while Robert Whittaker looks to prove himself against Khamzat Chimaev’s grappling. Meanwhile, Ankalaev and Rakic are set for a hard-hitting affair, and all signs point to an action-packed night.
Place your bets, tune in, and enjoy UFC 308!
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