UFC 300: 10 biggest takeaways from an unforgettable night in Las Vegas

UFC 300 was every little thing we wished it to be. Alex Pereira capped off some of the iconic nights in promotional historical past by defending his UFC mild heavyweight title with a first-round knockout of Jamahal Hill, however Saturday night time was a lot greater than its foremost occasion.

With a lot to debate, let’s dive straight into our 10 greatest takeaways from UFC 300.

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1. As a basic rule of thumb, I strive to not be overly reactionary in these post-fight musings.

A lot of sports activities media in 2024 is a glorified competitors to see who can spit up the wildest take or who can proclaim one thing to be the most effective or worst ever within the loudest voice. Perhaps it’d be higher for me professionally if that’s how my mind labored, nevertheless it simply doesn’t. I’ve been round lengthy sufficient and witnessed sufficient firsthand MMA historical past to usually attempt to maintain some perspective, or at the least attempt to not be a prisoner of the second.

I say all of that for one purpose. I’ve lengthy hailed UFC 189 as the best UFC pay-per-view ever. Simply from an motion and manufacturing standpoint, from a pure “how entertaining was this five-fight broadcast” perspective, UFC 189 has at all times been the standard-bearer. The one which felt essentially the most particular. And I nonetheless imagine that to be true on this Sunday morning, although I’m going to have to offer it some actual thought as we get a ways from this weekend.

As a result of UFC 300? Nicely, there’s a really official case to be made that Saturday’s tricentennial occasion was the best general card, prime to backside, in UFC historical past.

It’s not one thing I say frivolously, but additionally one thing I’m pretty sure of. From the curtain-jerker to the principle occasion, no occasion has ever delighted and thrilled with such momentous and significant violence because the magnum opus we simply witnessed from Las Vegas. This was a card we debated over for greater than a yr, a card I deemed the best lineup in UFC historical past simply this previous week. It’s uncommon something with that stage of hype lives as much as its second, particularly within the fraught world of fight sports activities. However in some way UFC 300 did precisely that.

So allow us to begin right now’s super-sized version of pay-per-view takeaways on the prime, as a result of Alex Pereira’s profession continues to make much less and fewer sense each time we’re right here.

In case you’re questioning, that is now Pereira’s up to date UFC résumé after his thrashing of Jamahal Hill: Eight fights, seven wins, 5 knockouts, 5 vanquished present or former champs, 4 title bouts, two belts, and one title protection. All of that in simply eight fights, all for a person who hadn’t even begun training in martial arts by the point UFC 100 rolled round. For comparability’s sake, you understand who on Saturday’s foremost card owns 9 UFC bouts to his title? Cody Brundage. How’s that understanding? No, what Pereira has executed — and continues to do — in such a brief period of time merely reads like fiction, nevertheless it’s not hyperbole to name his eight-fight run among the many best begins to an MMA profession this sport has ever seen.

This time round, it meant one thing too. You would inform. Hill informed everybody who might hear for the previous six months that “Poatan” was overrated as a striker, that he wasn’t who all of us propped him as much as be. Hill promised there have been ranges to this sport and he’d present that by standing and buying and selling with the two-division GLORY champ. In the long run, he proved to be at the least half appropriate, although not in the best way he hoped. As a result of what’s scariest of all? As Daniel Cormier identified on the printed, Pereira barely appeared to attach with half of his fist, but still sent Hill’s consciousness into outer space. That’s how supernatural the champ’s energy could be. And then to top it off with a celebration like this? Absolute perfection.

You’re taking a look at one of many coldest MMA photographs we’ll see all yr.

UFC won’t ever truly pull the set off on this, but when the champ actually needs to combat at heavyweight at UFC 301 simply to do it, good lord, you pull Derrick Lewis from his terrible headliner towards Rodrigo Nascimento and let “Poatan” get his Anderson Silva on in Rio.

Solely the MMA gods understand how lengthy this run will final, so get pleasure from it when you can, y’all, as a result of it’ll be a protracted, very long time earlier than we see one other Alex Pereira on the sport’s highest stage.

Photograph by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC through Getty Pictures

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2. I’m nonetheless in absolute awe over what we simply witnessed from Max Holloway.

Who else on this sport can be up three rounds to 1 (mere seconds away from four rounds to one), combating up a weight class towards some of the harmful lightweights to ever stay, then say “eff it” and beckon a demon like Justin Gaethje to the middle of the cage to offer him an unwarranted likelihood by going full Ricardo Lamas? If ever there was becoming proprietor of the UFC’s symbolic “BMF” belt, it’s the combating pleasure of Waianae, Hawaii.

The response of UFC featherweight champ Ilia Topuria says all of it.

In a profession outlined by legendary moments, Holloway saved his finest for the most important stage conceivable. Not solely is that this the apparent frontrunner for 2024’s Knockout of the Yr, it’s additionally one of the most ridiculous finishes in MMA history. I’ve actually by no means seen something prefer it. Go forward and write up these year-end columns now, as a result of somebody goes to must ship a cranium into orbit with a rolling thunder within the last milliseconds of a title combat to dislodge Holloway from this perch (and even then, we’ll nonetheless must have a dialog).

I’ll be the primary to confess I doubted whether or not this “BMF” experiment was a good suggestion for a war-weary vet like Holloway when UFC 300’s lineup was first introduced. I used to be cageside the final time Holloway examined the waters at 155 kilos and it wasn’t a fairly sight, however Gaethje is the kind of fighter who modifications careers for the worst. Every thing about this reserving screamed a brutal ending to the “No One Can Knock Out Max Holloway” narrative that has endured over the previous 14 years. However Holloway dared to be nice, and now the world is his to command. Supervisor Tim Simpson mentioned earlier this week that Holloway might be the No. 1 contender in two divisions by the point this weekend was executed. These phrases proved to be prophetic. Holloway basically has his decide of belts now — he can freely journey this wave right into a problem towards the Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier winner, or he can scoot again right down to his residence at 145 kilos and face Topuria in one of many greatest fights of the yr.

My guess for the way these two divisions shake out?

Holloway chooses Topuria.

Arman Tsarukyan chooses to attend for the Makhachev vs. Poirier winner after his slender victory over Charles Oliviera, most certainly in Abu Dhabi in October if it’s Makhachev.

Both manner, wherever this journey takes us, Saturday’s foremost card stands as yet one more reminder of two issues. First, that 155 kilos is — and at all times has been — the most effective rattling weight class in MMA. Second, that something is feasible on this unpredictable sport. The MMA world nearly universally wrote Holloway off for useless in July 2022 after his third loss to Alexander Volkanovski. Now’s he’s drowning in choices and big-money fights. How are you going to not like it?

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3. It could appear unusual to say a couple of title combat on a historic card, however Zhang Weili’s win over Yan Xiaonan within the UFC’s China vs. China showcase will nearly actually be relegated to a footnote when folks bear in mind UFC 300, partially as a consequence of Yan’s lesser-known standing and partially as a consequence of the truth that it instantly proceeded the absurdity that was Holloway vs. Gaethje. However Saturday’s co-main occasion was nonetheless one other lesson in why Zhang casts such a protracted and fearsome shadow because the No. 1 pound-for-pound girl in MMA.

The 2-time champ basically completed her countrywoman two separate instances, choking Yan right into a daze on the finish of the primary spherical after which blasting her with roughly 3,000 unanswered punches within the second. Zhang ultimately settled for a decision, however credit score is due for Yan, who implausibly rallied again to attain a knockdown within the third spherical and by no means actually accepted the which means of the phrase “executed.” Nonetheless, this one was by no means doubtful.

And now? The strawweight division could have lastly arrived at a second I’ve personally waited for since 2016. Certain, UFC tried to guide Tatiana Suarez towards Amanda Lemos in February, however at this level, there’s no want. Suarez is the highest obtainable contender left at 115 kilos who hasn’t already fought the champ, and UFC must capitalize on the first second Suarez is wholesome. From a expertise perspective, Zhang vs. Suarez is among the finest fights in all of ladies’s MMA. The time to see whether or not Suarez can fulfill the future that when appeared preordained for her by changing into UFC champion is lengthy late.

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4. Can I simply say how a lot I loved SamuraiGate? I’m critical. It legitimately would possibly’ve been my favourite combat week storyline to this point of 2024. Watching Aleksandar Rakic’s utter bewilderment at a madman from the Czech Republic calling himself a modern-day samurai, and the usually stoic Jiri Prochazka then attempt to include his apparent fury all week lengthy on the gall of the accusation — it was too pure for this world, the most effective form of combat sport magic.

The truth that all of it got here full circle with a pissed off Prochazka walking through fire and burning Rakic alive after begrudgingly accepting that protection is for cowards? Simply the icing on the cake. I’m pretty sure Prochazka is legally a samurai now after this win. Sorry y’all, I don’t make the foundations.

However I digress.

The ex-champ continues to be a once-in-a-generation lunatic in the absolute best manner. I am keen on every little thing about it. Gentle heavyweight is perpetually bizarre and I don’t know if Pereira vs. Prochazka 2 is admittedly the primary combat I’d leap straight again into reserving, but when that’s the one UFC settles on, hell, you received’t hear a peep of grievance out of me.

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5. The stats from Kayla Harrison’s first official UFC spherical: 46-1 edge in vital strikes.

And her second official UFC spherical? A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it end of a future Corridor of Famer.

For these conserving rating at residence, that’s pretty, pretty, preeeeeettty damn good.

There was by no means a query of whether or not the two-time Olympic champion and two-time PFL champion belonged within the UFC. She clearly does, and her effortless mollywhopping of Holly Holm ought to hopefully shut up the legions of morons who dismissed her as an overrated can crusher for the previous six years. The higher query now shouldn’t be whether or not Harrison has the talent set to be UFC champ — I really feel assured in saying she’s the most effective lively bantamweight on the planet right now — however whether or not she will be able to make championship weight usually sufficient and healthily sufficient to achieve her celebrity ceiling on the world’s brightest stage.

Harrison’s weight lower was an intrigue unto itself this previous week. She in the end tipped the scales at 136 kilos flat and regarded as if she didn’t have an oz. of water left in her physique. She then spoke openly about how challenging that last pound from 137 to 136 was to drop. We’ve heard numerous athletes in her place echo the identical. Title fights require 135 kilos. If Harrison can determine learn how to tick that final field, she’ll be the queen of this division for so long as her physique will enable — and if she continues to be this dominant, she’ll be the one that convinces the GOAT, Amanda Nunes, to come back again for yet one more.

The seeds have already been planted.

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6. Talking of ex-champs making properties in new weight lessons, the person who was being hailed as doubtlessly the bantamweight GOAT simply eight months in the past, Aljamain Sterling, drew the precise reverse response of Harrison and Holloway. His long-awaited featherweight transfer towards Calvin Kattar devolved into the worst kind of grinding affair. You recognize issues weren’t nice when a man as adorned as Sterling doesn’t even get a post-fight interview.

However ultimately “Funk Grasp” accomplished his most vital mission, as a result of a loss on Saturday would’ve been devastating for the profession crossroads he’s reached. With no actual future at bantamweight so long as his pal Merab Dvalishvili sits atop the title image, Sterling badly wanted to show his viability at 145 kilos. For higher or worse, he did that.

There’s zero likelihood he will get expedited to the entrance of the road after a win like that, however might I might see the UFC giving Sterling one other prime title they think about to be a “boring grappler” in an effort to kill off one of many two contenders they don’t desire? Completely.

And you understand what? I dig it. The Movsar Evloev combat makes an excessive amount of sense to not occur.

Photograph by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC through Getty Pictures

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7. Diego Lopes is admittedly following the Arman Tsarukyan playbook to a tee, isn’t he?

Step 1: Debut on quick discover and instantly put the worry of God right into a widely-ducked contender by giving him all he can deal with.

Step 2: Settle into the UFC correct and run roughshod over the decrease ranks.

Step 3: The second you could have an oz. of worthwhile cache, instantly angle for a rematch towards the person who kicked off your UFC run.

Step 4: Profit?

Lopes is formally three-for-four on that guidelines after his masterpiece over Sodiq Yusuff, and it’s spectacular to see. Yusuff might not be the most important title, however he’s solely misplaced to official dudes over his six-year UFC run — which makes what Lopes simply pulled off even crazier. MMA Fighting’s 2023 Rookie of the Year went on the market and bought hit twice, landed 81 p.c of his vital strike makes an attempt, scored a pair of clinch knockdowns, then knocked Yusuff out proper in just 89 seconds. I can’t overstate how spectacular that’s. Tsarukyan took a very good three or 4 years to start out breaking into the dialog after his debut towards Islam Makhachev. However Lopes? Of all of the lesser identified names jockeying to make their presence felt on Saturday’s undercard, he undoubtedly opened essentially the most eyes.

It’s most likely nonetheless too early to go straight again to the Evloev nicely, however a matchup towards Arnold Allen in Manchester or Yair Rodriguez at The Sphere? That sounds good to me.

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8. Talking of matchmaking, Bobby Green vs. Paddy Pimblett in Manchester?

Hey, I don’t hate it. We’re speaking a couple of assured all-action brawl and an even-more-guaranteed, extremely weird lead-up — and you understand what? I’m form of right here for it. I’d already prematurely filed away Renato Moicano for Pimblett subsequent, however the extra I discuss this one out, the extra Inexperienced is smart. Moicano might be too extremely ranked after his come-from-behind win over Jalin Turner, and I’m undecided Inexperienced or Pimblett will be capable of perceive even 50 p.c of what the opposite says however the banter would nonetheless be subsequent stage.

OK Bobby, you bought me. I’m in. If these two aren’t matched up on the rumored pay-per-view occasion this summer season in Manchester, I’ll formally be upset.

(And that, girls and gents, is the ability of utilizing your mic time to steer your individual destiny. Too many might be taught from what the 16-year vet just pulled off with a 16-second clip.)

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9. Don’t look now, however is Deiveson Figueiredo changing into an actual bantamweight contender?

That’s two very official (if restricted) bantamweights the previous flyweight king has blitzed via after choking out Cody Garbrandt in essentially the most adorned curtain jerker in MMA historical past. And simply as he did towards Rob Font in December, Figgy Not-So-Smalls regarded proper at residence tossing round a former 135-pound champ like Garbrandt on Saturday.

I nonetheless have my doubts about whether or not Figueiredo’s measurement can maintain up towards the Godzillas of the division like Sean O’Malley, Cory Sandhagen, and Petr Yan, however his 68-inch attain is on par with everybody who issues at 135 kilos besides O’Malley, and to this point these Gumby arms and that flyweight velocity have confirmed to be an awesome equalizer towards these bigger foes.

It’s time to seek out out simply how actual this experiment could be. E-book one other battle of ex-champs towards Yan and let’s see if Figueiredo can truly vault himself into title rivalry.

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10. We converse rather a lot today about how the UFC has grown complacent, how the MMA world chief has change into snug with its artistic chapter within the post-pandemic period. And it’s a good compliant. In spite of everything, they received the race. Yr after yr, these three letters make up essentially the most financially profitable fight sports activities promotion in human historical past. There isn’t any Pleasure FC in 2024 pushing Dana White and his group to be higher, no Strikeforce urging them to innovate. It’s why we get paint-by-numbers APEX slop shamelessly shoveled to us week after week with no urgency to make issues ever really feel particular, and even significant.

It’s additionally why an evening like Saturday stands out so distinctly, as a result of UFC 300 did really feel particular. It did really feel significant. It felt like a real celebration of every little thing that makes MMA so nice, and I don’t imply the historic lineup the matchmakers put collectively. I merely imply the manufacturing, the love and care that clearly went into each side of the printed. From the nostalgia of the old-school graphics and chill-inducing video packages, to the sudden return of Gladiator Man, black-and-white intros, and Face the Ache, to even the emotional walkout of UFC Corridor of Famer and real-life hero Mark Coleman, UFC 300 served as a much-needed reminder of what MMA’s prime promotion is able to producing when it tries.

So bravo, UFC. I wholeheartedly imply that. You nailed it. Clearly not each card could be UFC 300, however hopefully we don’t have to attend one other a number of years to really feel like this once more.

Photograph by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC through Getty Pictures