The biggest MMA event of the year is inching closer and MMASucka wants to get you, the fans, the best plays we like this weekend for UFC 300. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
UFC 300: 3 Bets Worth the Play
Jalin Turner vs Renato Moicano
Our first play comes at the hands of a lightweight striker showdown as Jalin Turner (14-7, 7-4 UFC) takes on Renato Moicano (18-5-1, 10-5 UFC). Both men enter this fight coming off of a win. Turner found his victory by way of TKO, stopping Bobby Green in the first round of their fight in December. “The Tarantula” snapped a two-fight losing skid and looks to defend his #10 ranking in the 155-lbs. division. Moicano last fought just two months ago at UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs Imanov, besting fan favorite Drew Dober. Moicano looks to push his way further up the top-15 ranks, as the Brazilian currently holds the #12 spot.
Turner is an incredible striker and well-rounded grappler. The American Top Team lightweight has good power, utilizes distance management well while pushing forward, and has elite level footwork. Moicano is a tough, gritty fighter who can strike and also work the grapple. Turner sits as a strong betting favorite right now on the moneyline and for good reason. Turner is simply better on the feet and more dangerous overall. While Turner has never won a decision, a prop bet on a Turner decision is tempting as 34-year-old Brazilian is truly difficult to put away. With that being said, take the value of the moneyline in this fight.
Offiicial Pick: Jalin Turner Moneyline
Bo Nickal vs Cody Brundage
In a fight that fans will simply not want to miss, Bo Nickal (5-o, 2-0 UFC) makes his Octagon return against the far more experienced Cody Brundage (10-5, 4-4 UFC). This fight will open up the main card, following the blockbuster featured prelim fight between Jiří Procházka and Aleksandar Rakić. Nickal exploded onto the MMA scene after an incredibly impressive collegiate wrestling career, wrapping up his senior year with an astonishing record for 120-3. After just one pro fight, Nickal found himself on Dana White’s Contender Series and earned a contract after defeating Donovan Beard in September 2022. Now 5-0, Nickal will fight for the first time since July 2023.
His opponent, Cody Brundage, has been a member of the UFC Middleweight Division since 2021. Currently riding a two-fight win streak, Brundage brings the chaos in the cage as the 29-year-old will have the striking advantage entering this fight. Brundage sits as a massive underdog and this will be something that will fuel the factorX Muay Thai striker. In any case, the bell will ring, Nickal will blast a takedown and score a first round finish. Don’t overthink this one, pick the Penn State icon.
Official Pick: Bo Nickal via 1st Round TKO
Zhang Weili vs Yan Xiaonan
The co-main event will be the focus of our last must-play bet. A battle of China’s best will determine the women’s strawweight champion as incumbent champ Zhang Weili (24-3, 8-2 UFC) welcomes Yan Xiaonan (17-3, 8-2 UFC) in a 25-minute contest. Weili is a two-time 115-lbs. champion, as she resecured the title at UFC 281. Weili locked in a rear naked choke in round two of the fight against then-champ Carla Esparza, forcing the tap and earning her second title. Weili then successfully defended her title at UFC 292, pummeling Amanda Lemos and recording the largest strike differential in a women’s fight in UFC history. Needless to say, Weili is a brutal combatant and has the ability to finish the fight anywhere.
Xiaonan will play the role of underdog in this title contest. The 34-year-old has evolved her game since making her UFC debut in November 2017 and scored her first finish inside the UFC cage in her last bout against Jessica Andrade.
It is difficult to imagine this fight play out any other way than a dominant performance by Zhang Weili. Weili is working her way to becoming one of the greatest female fighters of all time and this fight will add to that reality. Whether she finishes it early or takes it to the distance, “Magnum” will cruise to victory and perhaps even earn herself her fifth Performance of the Night award.
Official Pick: Zhang Weili Moneyline
