The Octagon is set to roar into 2024 with a bang, as UFC president Dana White today announced the first three bouts for the historic UFC 300 event. In a light heavyweight clash with championship implications, the reigning 205-pound king Jiri Prochazka will lock horns with the dangerous Aleksandar Rakic. Featherweight fireworks are guaranteed when former bantamweight titleholder Aljamain Sterling collides with the always-game Calvin Kattar, while rising middleweight star Bo Nickal makes his highly anticipated promotional debut against the rugged Cody Brundage.
Fight announcements:
Feb 17th, #UFC298
Feb 24th, #UFCMexico
March 30th, #UFCAtlanticCity
April 13th, #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/vcJYI3rekl— danawhite (@danawhite) December 22, 2023
Prochazka vs. Rakic: A Light Heavyweight War for the Ages
Jiri Prochazka’s reign atop the light heavyweight division has been a whirlwind of highlight-reel finishes and captivating charisma. The “Czech Samurai” captured the gold in a stunning light heavyweight title clash against Glover Teixeira at UFC 275, dethroning the veteran champion with a vicious fifth-round spinning elbow knockout. Prochazka’s unorthodox striking style and relentless pressure have made him must-see TV, and his next challenger, Aleksandar Rakic, is no less than a puzzle waiting to be solved.
Rakic, the #5 contender in the light heavyweight rankings, is a physical specimen with a diverse arsenal of strikes and suffocating grappling. The Austrian powerhouse has racked up five consecutive victories, including dominant decisions over former title challengers Thiago Santos and Anthony Smith.
This light heavyweight encounter is a clash of contrasting styles. Prochazka’s dynamic striking and unpredictable attacks will be met head-on by Rakic’s technical precision and relentless pressure. Both men are known for their unwavering toughness and championship aspirations, making this a fight that could very well determine the future of the 205-pound division.
Sterling vs. Kattar: A Featherweight Feud for the Spotlight
The bantamweight title picture may be heating up, but Aljamain Sterling and Calvin Kattar are ready to deliver fireworks at 145 pounds. Sterling, the former bantamweight champion, has faced a murderous row of competitors during his reign as champion but was ultimately dethroned by Sean O’Malley which prompted his move up in weight, but “Funk Master” is eager to prove his doubters wrong and establish himself as a dominant force in his newest division.
Standing in his way is Calvin Kattar, a featherweight known for his relentless pressure and unwavering chin. “The Boston Finisher” has battled the who’s who of 145 pounds, including thrilling wars against Max Holloway and Josh Emmett. Despite coming up short in these marquee matchups, Kattar’s grit and determination have earned him the respect of fans and fighters alike.
This featherweight clash is a guaranteed barnburner. Sterling’s technical wrestling and opportunistic striking will be tested against Kattar’s relentless pressure and volume punching. Both men are hungry to prove themselves in a crowded featherweight division, making this a fight that promises to leave fans on the edge of their seats.
A Middleweight Prospect Steps into the Spotlight
The former two-division NCAA champion has taken the MMA world by storm since turning pro in 2022, racking up five consecutive victories to start his MMA career with four of those coming with the UFC. Nickal’s aggressive wrestling and devastating ground-and-pound have drawn comparisons to MMA legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov, and his arrival in the UFC has generated palpable excitement.
His opponent, Cody Brundage, is no slouch himself. A veteran of 15 professional bouts, Brundage is known for his well-rounded skillset and ability to adapt to any fight situation. He has shared the Octagon with notable names like Rodolfo Vieira and Michal Oleksiejczuk, and his experience will be a valuable asset against the surging Nickal.
This middleweight matchup is a classic grappler vs. striker clash. Nickal’s relentless wrestling will be met by Brundage’s diverse striking arsenal and veteran savvy. The outcome of this fight could have major implications for the future of the middleweight division, as both men possess the talent and potential to make a serious run at the title.
With three tantalizing bouts already announced, UFC 300 is shaping up to be a landmark event. The electrifying clash of styles between Prochazka and Rakic, the high-octane featherweight matchup, and middleweight prospects collide in the first of many high-profile matchups to go for the monumental fight card.
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