After three long months and a journey filled with twists and turns, the UFC 300 fight card is locked in. No more changes, no more placeholders at the top – we have 13 thrilling matchups ready to light up the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The stakes are high with two genuine titles up for grabs – light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is set to defend his title against former champion Jamahal Hill, while strawweight champion Zhang Weili will face Yan Xiaonan. Additionally, a battle for the “BMF” title will see Justin Gaethje take on former featherweight champion Max Holloway.
Now that the lineup is set, it’s time to compare UFC 300 with the UFC’s previous milestone events, UFC 100 and UFC 200. The big question is, does it live up to the hype? And, perhaps more importantly, is it worth the $79.99 pay-per-view price tag?
The team at MMA Fighting, including Jed Meshew, Mike Heck, and Steven Marrocco, gathered in a virtual war room to evaluate the UFC’s latest offering.
Jed Meshew introduced a new system in 2023 for rating fight cards, inspired by the Michelin Guide’s restaurant ratings. According to “The Meshewlin Guide,” a one-star rating signifies a very good fight card, two stars indicate an excellent card worth a detour, and three stars are reserved for an exceptional card worth a special journey. By this measure, UFC 300 is a three-star event, unparalleled in the history of fight cards. It boasts two title fights, a potential “Fight of the Year,” two matchups that could determine the next number one contenders, an incredible 13 UFC champions, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. When the least anticipated fight on the card features a likely future champion like Bo Nickal, you know you’re in for a treat.
The only downside to stacking a card this heavily is that it leaves the following month’s events looking lackluster in comparison. However, for an event of this caliber, it’s a small price to pay. While there’s always a chance the event might not live up to its astronomical expectations, the matchups suggest otherwise. This could either be the greatest night in combat sports history or, at the very least, a spectacular evening of fights.
Mike Heck doesn’t shy away from setting high standards, but even he admits that anything less than an A rating for UFC 300 means your expectations were probably unrealistic. The event symbolizes the UFC’s evolution, where the brand itself has become the star, attracting the best fighters in the world. Unlike the days when Brock Lesnar’s star power was a major draw, UFC 300 showcases a roster of incredibly talented and exciting fighters, even without the presence of mega-stars like Conor McGregor or Jon Jones. Every fight on the card is significant, with high stakes in each division.
Steven Marrocco echoes the sentiment that UFC 300 is the best centennial card the UFC has ever assembled, thanks to the intriguing matchups and the compelling stories behind each fighter. Questions about potential champions, comebacks, and debuts add layers of excitement to the event. Unlike previous milestone events, UFC 300 doesn’t rely on a single big name to generate interest; instead, it features a lineup of fighters with rich histories and promising futures in the sport.
In summary, UFC 300 is not just a celebration of the UFC’s history but a showcase of its present and future. With a lineup that promises non-stop action and drama, it’s an event that truly stands out. While the event poster might not win any design awards, the fights themselves are more than enough to earn UFC 300 an A+ rating.