Jon Jones is making his return this weekend after a year off due to injury, facing the legendary heavyweight Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden. This will be Jones’ first time defending his heavyweight title after winning it from Ciryl Gane. The showdown between Jones and Miocic will serve as the main event for the UFC 309.
The co-main event features an exciting matchup between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler. However, the preliminary card also promises some intriguing fights that shouldn’t be overlooked. Here’s the details about it.
Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders
Chris Weidman and Eryk Anders both have up-and-down records but come into this fight with recent victories. Weidman holds a 16-7 record, with 6 knockouts and 4 submissions. He’s coming off a win over Bruno Silva but struggled in his previous two fights at Madison Square Garden. Anders has a 16-8 record, with 9 knockouts and just 1 submission. He won his last fight against Jamie Pickett, adding to his momentum after mixed performances.
Given their current forms, this fight could go either way, but Weidman’s well-rounded game and experience might give him the edge, especially if he can avoid Anders’ striking power. Talking about predictions, Weidman could pull out a decision win.
Marcin Tybura vs. Jhonata Diniz
In one of Saturday’s heavyweight bouts, Brazilian prospect Jhonata Diniz faces Polish veteran Marcin Tybura. Diniz, who is 2-0 in the UFC, was initially set to fight Derrick Lewis but stepped in to replace him after Lewis withdrew due to a medical issue. Tybura, a veteran fighter with a 25-9 record, wins his 2024 debut against Tai Tuivasa but suffers a first-round submission loss to Serghei Spivac in August.
While Tybura mixes striking and grappling, Diniz’s strength lies in his knockout power, with 7 KOs in 8 wins. The Brazilian fighter’s knockout power is fierce, and with Tybura’s recent struggles, he is likely to extend his undefeated streak and win this fight.
Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee
The bantamweight division is getting even more exciting, and this weekend’s fight between Jonathan Martinez and Marcus McGhee is one no fan should miss. Talking about the fight, Martinez looks to bounce back after Jose Aldo ended his six-fight winning streak at UFC 301 in May. McGhee, on the other hand, has been dominant in his first three UFC fights, earning three stoppage wins and improving his record to 9-1. This one’s tough to call, as both are strong fighters, but it seems like Martinez will bounce back after losing to the legend, Aldo.
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Also Read: UFC 309 Predictions: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic Preview And Picks
Jim Miller vs. Damon Jackson
After a 10-fight streak, Jim Miller’s unbeaten run was broken at UFC 300, and now he’s set to face Damon Jackson at Madison Square Garden this weekend. The 41-year-old Miller holds UFC records for most wins (26) and appearances (44) and aims to rebound after his loss to Bobby Green at UFC 300. Jackson, moving up to lightweight, has a 1-3 record in his last four bouts. Both fighters are submission specialists, but Miller’s experience and grappling may give him the edge. So, it seems he will bounce back from his last loss via submission.
Mickey Gall vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
Both fighters are looking to bounce back after tough runs. Mickey Gall has only won 1 of his last 5 fights, while Ramiz Brahimaj has won 2 and lost 3 in his last 5 bouts. This makes it a crucial matchup for both to regain momentum. To predict, given that Ramiz has been a little more stable, he might bounce back with this win on the Jones vs. Stipe Miocic card.
Bassil Hafez vs. Oban Elliott
There is no doubt two welterweights pull their all to keep winning. Hafez did well in his first UFC fight, even though he lost to Jack Della Maddalena. Subsequently, he won his first match when he fought last against Gall at UFC 302 in June. Meanwhile, Elliott, who joined the UFC this year, has also done well, winning his first two fights against Val Woodburn and Preston Parsons at UFC 298 and UFC 304.
Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura
This weekend, there are just two women’s fights on the card. Aside from the main card, the preliminary card will feature Hardy vs. Moura, which will open UFC 309. Talking about the fight, Hardy has looked great since returning from a long break, winning three straight fights and improving her record to 9-4-1.
Moura, who is moving up in weight, is looking to bounce back from her first loss to Denise Gomes in June. She could win by using her strength and size advantage. After her first loss, she is motivated to prove herself and could catch Hardy off guard.
Also Read: UFC 309: Date, Venue, Start Time, Channel And Live Streaming Details
