We are back this week with our A.I. predictions for UFC 306. This Noche UFC card is promising to be one of the most exciting cards that Dana and Co. have ever put together. Our current W/L record since the rebuild is a paltry (17-14). Now, let's get into this week's picks.
Main Event: Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili (Bantamweight Title)
Analysis: This fight is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup. Sean O’Malley, known for his dynamic striking and knockout power, will look to keep the fight standing and use his reach and precision to outpoint or finish Dvalishvili. On the other hand, Merab Dvalishvili, a relentless wrestler, will aim to close the distance, secure takedowns, and control O’Malley on the ground.
Prediction: While O’Malley’s striking is a significant threat, Dvalishvili’s relentless pressure and wrestling might be too much. I predict Dvalishvili will win by decision, grinding out a victory with his grappling.
Co-Main Event: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko (Women’s Flyweight Title)
Analysis: This is the third meeting between these two fighters. Grasso has shown she can compete with Shevchenko, having won their first bout and drawing the second. Grasso’s striking and improved grappling will be key, while Shevchenko will rely on her experience, striking, and grappling to reclaim her title.
Prediction: Given Grasso’s momentum and Shevchenko’s age, I lean towards Grasso retaining her title via a close decision.
Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes (Featherweight)
Analysis: Ortega, known for his submission skills and toughness, faces Lopes, a rising star with a well-rounded game. Ortega’s experience and grappling will be his main weapons, while Lopes will look to use his striking and avoid the ground56.
Prediction: This is a tough one, but I see Ortega’s experience and grappling giving him the edge. Ortega by submission in the later rounds.
Daniel Zellhuber vs. Esteban Ribovics (Lightweight)
Analysis: Zellhuber, with his height and reach advantage, will look to keep Ribovics at bay with his striking. Ribovics, a powerful striker himself, will need to close the distance and make it a brawl.
Prediction: Zellhuber’s reach and striking should give him the edge. I predict Zellhuber will win by decision.
Ronaldo Rodriguez vs. Ode Osbourne (Flyweight)
Analysis: Rodriguez, with a superior ground game, will look to take Osbourne down and control him. Osbourne, a dynamic striker, will aim to keep the fight standing and use his speed and power.
Prediction: Rodriguez’s grappling should be the difference here. I predict Rodriguez wins by submission.
UFC 306 takes place on Saturday, September 14th, 2024 from The Sphere in Las Vegas. The prelims kick off at 7:30 pm EST, and the main card starts at 10 pm EST on ESPN+ PPV.
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