3 surprises that could happen at UFC 300: Brace yourself for unforeseen twists at UFC’s landmark event

It is inevitable that MMA will have its share of unexpected results and upsets, and with a packed card like UFC 300, there will be no shortage of surprises.

On the card, there are 13 matchups and the majority of the fights have similar betting odds. However, the main attraction of the night, Bo Nickal, is a significant favorite with some sportsbooks offering odds as high as 30-1. Nonetheless, there are only a few other fights that can be confidently predicted.

With 20 ranked fighters scheduled to compete on April 13, the majority of the fights could potentially have implications for title matches based on their outcomes. With several highly anticipated bouts on the iconic card, it is likely that we will see some unexpected results.

Expect to encounter three unexpected events during UFC 300:

Holly Holm stuns fans with another upset victory against Kayla Harrison in highly-anticipated debut fight

This narrative has been recounted previously. A well-regarded ex-judoka faces Holly Holm in a match with the belief that ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ will serve as a mere stepping stone, only to have their progress impeded by the former world champion boxer. Now, Kayla Harrison assumes the role of the fighter taking on Holm, armed with an Olympic gold medal and PFL championship as she begins her journey towards becoming a UFC titleholder.

Holm’s unexpected victory over Ronda Rousey may be the one that immediately comes to mind, but she has proven to be a spoiler on multiple occasions. Both Megan Anderson and Irene Aldana were considered the top contenders for the title when they faced off against Holm, but the fighter from Jackson Wink MMA successfully defeated both up-and-coming opponents.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding Holm’s career at 42 years old, there are also many doubts surrounding Harrison. It can be argued that Holm is the toughest opponent of Harrison’s career, and the 16-1 International Sports Hall of Famer has never competed in the 135-pound weight class in her MMA career.

Despite its unlikelihood, this is the kind of result that can arise from an event as significant as UFC 300.

Max Holloway Dominates Justin Gaethje and Issues Challenge to Lightweight Champion

Those who have been keeping up with Max Holloway through his social media and YouTube accounts are aware that he is fully dedicated to his upcoming fight at UFC 300.

Holloway’s YouTube channel is filled with quotes that demonstrate his determination to prove doubters wrong. In his previous fight, he proved his critics wrong by dominating Calvin Kattar in a jaw-dropping performance that left fans in awe.

Despite being considered a major underdog, Holloway is entering UFC 300 with determination. His previous attempt at a different weight class against Dustin Poirier may not have been successful, but his current fight camp adjustments have the potential to bring back his signature fighting style. If this happens, the former champion will undoubtedly make a fiery post-fight callout, causing a stir in the lightweight division.

Calvin Kattar announces retirement following loss to Aljamain Sterling

Despite numerous fighters potentially retiring after a loss at UFC 300, the most unexpected departure would likely be that of Calvin Kattar.

Despite being in a position for a potential title shot after defeating Max Holloway in 2021, Kattar’s career trajectory changed dramatically due to the one-sided beatdown he received in their main event fight. Although he has not shown signs of being past his prime in subsequent fights, the 35-year-old ‘Boston Finisher’ is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in his last bout against Arnold Allen.

Kattar is scheduled to compete against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 300, and he has a good chance of emerging victorious. However, if the fight unfolds as the former bantamweight champion has foreseen, it will be a challenging and difficult journey for Kattar to regain his position at the top. This is particularly true since he has other streams of income, such as running his own promotion.