The UFC 299 fight card might be better than the more hyped UFC 300. Not only better to watch, but to bet on too. We’re going to give you three free picks for the UFC 299 show so stick around if you want to make some money this weekend!
- What: UFC 299
- Where: Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida
- When: Saturday, March 9
Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera Betting Pick
We expect a banger of a fight in the main event. O’Malley, the bantamweight championship, is seeking to avenge his only career loss against Vera. The best UFC betting sites certainly believe he will because O’Maley is a convincing -280 favorite on the moneyline. We’re not in love with that line, hence why we’re betting the O’Malley-Vera moneyline instead:
| Outcome |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 4.5 Rounds | -160 | -160 | -160 |
| Under 4.5 Rounds | +130 | +130 | +130 |
As mentioned, this is a rematch. Vera dropped O’Malley way back at UFC 252 almost four years ago. It was a first-round TKO, which O’Malley has long called a fluke. The now champ hurt his foot in the foot, which slowed him down big time. However, it wasn’t a freak injury. Vera kicked him multiple times before one finally did him in.
If we’re Vera, we run back that exact playbook at UFC 299. O’Malley is an excellent stand-up fighter, but if there’s one weakness, it’s defending the kick — which Vera exploited last time out to perfection. However, O’Malley is quite lethal at counter-punching, just ask the former bantamweight title-holder, Aljo Sterling. O’Mallet is at his best when a fighter is moving forward on him and he can counter-punch with his pinpoint accuracy.
We think Vera is badly being valued by the best UFC betting sites, we mean, +220 feels criminal. We almost took him to win straight up, but instead, we’re going with the under bet. O’Malley has the striking accuracy, but Vera has more power in his strikes — both can be deadly. Despite not knowing who wins, we’re confident one of ‘em is getting stopped. Therefore, we’re throwing money on the under, grabbing the popcorn, and just enjoying the show cause we expect fireworks in this one.
Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint-Denis Betting Pick
Here’s another exciting fight between two fan favorites — so much so that it’s bright fought at five rounds, not three. The odds are slightly closer here, but still, Saint-Denis is a comfy favorite over Poirier. Here’s the latest odds:
| Fighter | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benoit Sant-Denis | -215 | -125 | -125 |
| Dustin Poirier | +175 | -105 | -105 |
We’re conflicted in this fight. When looking at the matchup on paper, our first instinct was to select Poirier to win. He’s the better fighter or was (more on that soon). Saint-Denis has won five in a row — all by finish and before the third round. He’s very good, but also very sloppy. Part of why Saint-Denis is so popular is because of his relentless offense and push-the-pace style.
Here is the issue with Saint-Denis’ style: it’s very, very hit-able. Someone who can counter-punch and land with precision could do some real damage to him. Historically, that’s Poirier’s exact MO. He’s one of the better boxers and strikers of the last decade in the UFC.
However, Father Time has probably come knocking for Poirier. Not only is he 35, but the man has fought some absolute wars in the UFC. Poirier has been in the UFC since 2011 and has battled the very best lightweights the sport has to offer. The last time we saw Poirier, he was leg-kick KO’d by Justin Gaethje. We hate to say it, but his chin might be gone at this point. We predict Saint-Denis to stop Poirier at some point so the Frenchman is getting our money.
Kevin Holland vs. Michael Page Betting Pick
Another fight, another banger. But here’s the best part about betting the Holland and Page bout, the odds. As seen below, it’s almost at pick ‘em:
| Fighter | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Holland | -125 | -125 | -125 |
| Michael Page | -105 | -105 | -105 |
There might be a few of you thinking out loud, “who the hell is Page?” He’s a new UFC signing, but a very hyped one at that. Page made his name with Bellator where he accumulated a 21-2 record. This guy can stand up and bang. He’s a kickboxer at heart and shines with accurate strikes, though he can hit with power too. Thirteen of 21 wins have been by KO.
But here’s the thing: Page is 36 years old. That’s pretty significant for non-heavyweights — this one is at welterweight. Moreover, Holland is far from a tune-up fight. He also can strike with the best of ‘em and certainly won’t fear going toe to toe with Page.
Our money is going squarely on Holland. Going from Bellator to UFC is a massive step-up in completion for Page and we’re not convinced he’ll be able to fight through it in the first go. Holland is the better choice here.
How To Bet On UFC 299?
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