Posted at 12:00 PM EST. Odds subject to change.

Pinnacle +118 BET365 +110 Sportsinteraction +110  888Sport +105

UFC 300 from Las Vegas, Nevada

Jamahal Hill over Alex Peirera

Best Odds: +118 at Pinnacle

12:15 AM EST. The main event of UFC 300 might not be what casual fans hoped for (sorry kids, Connor isn't back yet), but MMA loyalists know that Alex Pereira versus Jamahal Hill is a damn good finale. Alex Pereira caught the UFC world by storm since his arrival in late 2021, when he proceeded to go on a 4-fight win streak and a middleweight title win against arch-rival, Israel Adesanya. He would eventually lose in the rematch thanks to some stealthy KO-powered jabs from Adesanya in the second round. Suddenly "Poatan" was mortal, although at least he stumbled against a familiar foe and UFC superstar; that's not the worst look. 

The Brazilian knockout artist then moved on to the light heavyweight division and beat Jan Blachowicz by decision, an impressive feat considering how dominant the Polish puncher had been for a good 3 year stretch leading into that fight. In his latest victory, Pereira captured the interim light heavyweight championship with a win over the versatile (and odd) Jiri Prochazka, delivering vicious elbows to end the Czech's night. There's no doubt Pereira deserves his flowers and his place among UFC legends at this point, being one of the few fighters to ever capture gold in two different divisions. 

At 36 years old, Poatan has seemingly done it all in the fight world. He's one of the most decorated kickboxers of all time, and he followed it up by obliterating multiple weight classes in the UFC. What we have to question now is - what's left for the enigmatic fan favorite? We're not suggesting Pereira's career might be ending soon, but the 6'4" striker doesn't have any added motivation besides sustaining dominance. The same cannot be said about Jamahal Hill. 

Hill's rise to light heavyweight champion wasn't easy. In 2021 he got caught by Paul Craig as they were scrambling on the mat. Craig nearly locked in a few submission holds before Hill found his head clamped between his legs. The Scottish bruiser didn't take the opportunity for granted. He pummelled Hill with hammer fists and elbows, dizzying his opponent and ending the bout. Hill was undefeated no more, but the humbling experience forced him to refine his arsenal. He hasn't lost since. "Sweet Dreams" would land on his feet immediately after the loss, knocking out three straight stalwart contenders, Johnny Walker, Jimmy Crute, and Thiago Santos, in just 21 months. That landed Hill a shot at the title against Glover Teixeira, a battle Hill dominated from start to finish, scoring 232 significant strikes compared to Teixeira's 75. Hill would go on to vacate his title after suffering a torn achilles tendon, setting the stage for tonight's war. 

In every one of Jamahal Hill's fights, he's walking down his opponent. He's the alpha. Even against bigger opponents like Thiago Santos and Johnny Walker, Hill became the aggressor early, imposing his confidence on his enemies with game-ready fists, always slung back and ready to fire. And like his opponent, when Hill connects, he can KO any man. Against Santos he showed more sophisticated takedown defense, never allowing the powerful Santos slugger to put him in a more compromised position. In every fight since his one loss, Hill has been incredibly elusive, and when his opponents connected he showed off a fantastic chin. Entering Saturday night, this is the most well-rounded and dangerous the challenger has ever been.

Jamahal Hill's star was about to shine brighter than it ever has. His moment had come, but then it was quickly taken away. Now the glitz and glamour and attention is on a monster they call Poatan, a man who with seemingly unmatched power, and a worthy champion who's resume stacks up against any UFC veteran. Oddsmakers respect Pereira enough to make him the favorite, but if you notice it's not by very much. Hill opened up as a +135 pooch; now it's around +110 at most books. Sharp money has refused to double-down on another show-stopping finish by Pereira, a fighter whose best days might be behind him if he loses this contest. Meanwhile, Hill has been ready to take over the light heavyweight division, and his striking ability has evolved tremendously since his cockier youth. The value is on Jamahal "Sweet Dreams Hill," and don't be shocked if it's Poatan who's staring up at the lights this time.

Farley

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