UFC 303 has had quite the shake-up, however, the card is arguably better now than the original card planned.
A light heavyweight title rematch between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka will headline the event, with the co-main event featuring top featherweight contender, Brian Ortega and up and coming finisher, Diego Lopes. Elsewhere, former title challenger Anthony Smith looks to go back to back against late-notice replacement, Roman Dolidze, with the latter moving up a weight class. The main card is opened up by a welterweight striking match-up between the undefeated, Ian Garry and elite striker that is Michael Venom Page.
We provide you with our three best bets for UFC 303.
UFC 303: Best Bets & Picks
Gillian Robertson vs Michelle Waterson-Gomez: Under 2.5 rounds +145
Ranked strawweights Gillian Robertson and Michelle Waterson-Gomez meet on the prelims of UFC 303 and our prediction is that the fight won’t go the distance and will finish in under 2.5 rounds.
The reasoning behind this is that Waterson-Gomez has been submitted four times in her career and her opponent, Robertson, is the record holder for most submissions in UFC women’s history. She’s finished her last four victories, three via submission and one via TKO (last time out). She’s capable enough on the feet to hang with The Karate Hottie and get the fight to the floor when she wants to. She averages 2.53 takedowns per fight. The Canadian has some of the best BJJ in the division and takes her time with every move that she makes.
It’s a fair shout to pick Robertson via submission, but after her last TKO victory, there’s a chance she’s got the itch for ground and pound. Under 2.5 rounds is a safer bet.
Peyton Talbott to win in under 1.5 rounds +107
One of the hottest prospects on the entire roster, Peyton Talbott returns at UFC 303 after his stunning performance last time out. In just two UFC fights, Talbott lands an average of 8.05 significant strikes per minute and not only does he land these strikes, he punishes his opponents with them.
Last time out, Talbott dominated the highly touted Cameron Saaiman via TKO just 21 seconds into the second round, earning him a performance of the night bonus. His opponent, Yanis Ghemmouri is 0-1 in the UFC with one finish loss. Peyton Talbott outright sits at -1600 so picking him to win in under 1.5 rounds is more worth your money.
MVP outright +120
Despite not setting the world alight in his debut, Michael Page still won and won comfortably against one of the better welterweights on the planet. He proved that his alternative karate style can work in the UFC. We have to remember that he’s only lost twice in his career, once to a crazy, one-punch knockout and once where he was out-wrestled by Logan Storley.
Garry, a man who is predominantly a striker and a man who is all about timing will have his hands full with Page. There is a bit of a needle between these two men which makes the fight that much more interesting.
Garry doesn’t have the striking skill to work out Page and punish him in just three rounds. He won’t be able to pick his shots like he did against Geoff Neal. The leg kicks of Garry could play a factor, however, it’s nothing that Page hasn’t seen before.
The Brit takes the Irishman’s 0 at UFC 303.
Other picks:
Alex Pereira vs Jiri Prochazka – Under 4.5 rounds
Macy Chiasson outright
Rei Tsuruya via finish
Diego Lopes via knockout (why not!)
