UFC 306 – Severe MMA Staff Predictions

09/13/2024 04:00 AM

For decades, Las Vegas has served as the fight capital of the world, and this Saturday’s UFC offering places the Nevada desert center stage once again…with a twist. For the first time, the world leader in MMA will host a PPV event in the newly-famous Sphere.

Branded as “Riyadh Season Noche UFC”, the event serves to mark Mexican Independence Day, with UFC President Dana White describing the card as a “love letter to Mexico”.

Fans can be forgiven for scratching their heads as they enter fight week though. A PPV card in Las Vegas, Nevada. Headlined by a bantamweight title fight between an American and a Georgian. Sponsored by the Saudi government. From the top, it doesn’t feel very Mexican.

However, Mexican champion Alexa Grasso will battle Valentina Shevchenko in a trilogy decider in the co-main event, and all but two fights on the card involve Mexican or Mexican-American fighters.

While the authenticity of Mexican celebration remains to be seen, the pageantry and production value that the Sphere has been touted to deliver builds anticipation for the spectacle UFC are expected to showcase. We will find out on Saturday night if White’s vocalized desires “to be nominated for an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Grammy” off the back of UFC 306 match the finished product.

For a full breakdown of all the UFC 306 action, check out the preview show on our YouTube channel. For now, here are our staff main card picks.

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