UFC 299 Preview

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Zach Beier & Chubbs Scheffler
March 08, 2024

Good morning,

Let’s dive in…

Developing Stories 📰

The UFC bantamweight title is up for grabs in the main event of Saturday’s UFC 299 pay-per-view fight card. Defending champion Sean O’Malley seeks redemption for his sole MMA career loss against Marlon “Chito” Vera. In the evening’s co-main event, seasoned UFC lightweight competitor Dustin Poirier faces a formidable challenge in rising star Benoit Saint Denis. Before these matchups, Michael “Venom” Page makes his UFC debut against Kevin Holland in a welterweight showdown.

UFC 299 features several pivotal bouts and marks the debut of an exciting heavyweight prospect known for his quick first-round finishes. Despite claims of being undefeated, O’Malley suffered defeat to Vera in 2020 via first-round TKO. O’Malley aims to dismiss the notion that the kicks that led to his defeat were merely luck, while Vera remains a tough opponent.

Following his loss, O’Malley has made significant improvements, unlike Vera, who has maintained a consistent trajectory. While Vera is not to be underestimated, O’Malley is determined to prove himself superior in their UFC 299 clash.

Dustin Poirier, ranked No. 3 in UFC lightweight rankings, faces the young upstart Benoit Saint Denis, known for his impressive UFC record. Despite Poirier’s extensive experience, age may play a factor as he turns 35, while Saint Denis faces a considerable step up in competition.

Michael “Venom” Page, renowned for his entertaining fights, makes his UFC debut against Kevin Holland. This fight is crucial in determining Page’s impact in the UFC, as questions remain about his fighting prowess beyond entertainment. If Holland takes the fight seriously, he presents a significant challenge for Page.

 

Jailton Almeida -115

Petr Yan -135

Curtis Blaydes -105

Headlines 🚨

On This Day in Sport History: 1900 the MLB NL decides to expand to 8 teams.

1971 Joe Frazier ends Muhammad Ali’s 31-fight winning streak at Madison Square Garden.

Russell Wilson is visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers today and in talks with the NY Giants as he looks for a starting job.

Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson agreed to a 4-year $76 million contract with $54 million guaranteed.

The Rams are resigning right guard Kevin Dotson to a 3-year contract worth $48 million that includes $32 million guaranteed.

The New Orleans Saints have agreed to a two-year deal with Tyrann Mathieu worth $13 million.

Karl Anthony Towns will have surgery on a torn meniscus but should be back for the early Western Conference playoffs.

Luka Doncic breaks the NBA record for most triple doubles in a row worth 4, passing Russell Westbrook.

The Boston Red Sox and Bryan Bello agree to a 6-year $55million extension.

Alexander Ovechkin passes Paul Coffey for 15th on NHL career scoring list.

Trends 📈📉 via Oddsshark

🏀 Timberwolves at Mavericks

  • The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games

🏀 Magic at Knicks

  • Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games

  • Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

  • The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New York's last 8 games when playing Orlando

  • The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 7 games

🏀 Hawks at Grizzlies

  • The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing Memphis

  • The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games

🏀 Heat at Thunder

  • The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Miami's last 17 games on the road

🏀 Bucks at Lakers

  • The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games

  • The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games on the road

  • The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Lakers's last 9 games when playing Milwaukee

  • LA Lakers is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home 

Public Money 🤑 via VSiN at 9AMCT

🏀 NBA

64% of bets and 85% of money is on NO -7.5

42% of bets and 71% of money is on UNDER 222 NO at PHI

46% of bets and 68% of money is on CLE -135

44% of bets and 63% of money is on UNDER 224.5 MIA at OKC

18% of bets and 38% of money is on MIA +280

🎓🏀 NCAAB

50% of bets and 69% of money is on #21 SDSU -6.5

Future Odds 🔮 via Bovada Sportsbook

Weekend Picks 🔒 

Pelicans/76ers Over 221.5 | The Over is 3-1 in Philladelphi’s last 4 games and 34-27-1 on the season. The over has hit the last 4 Pelicans-Sixers meetings and in 6 of their last 10 meetings.

Pelicans -8.5 | The Pelicans have covered the spread in 3 of their last 4 games and are 34-27-1 ATS this season. Philly is only 3-7 ATS in its last 10. New Orleans is also 3-1 ATS in its last 4 matchups with the Sixers, being 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings.

Tennis:

Jiri Lehecka -125 | Lehecka is the frontrunner in terms of recent performances to advance to the third round at Indian Wells. He has clinched an outdoor hard court title earlier this year and recently reached the quarterfinals in Doha.  Brandon Nakashima hasn't made many appearances on the ATP Tour this year and fell short in qualifying for the Australian Open.

Katie Volynets +170 | Volynets pulled off a significant upset in the opening round at Indian Wells, defeating teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva in straight sets. Ons Jabeur, ranked sixth in the world, has been hampered by a persistent knee issue, leading to her retirement from the Qatar Masters and subsequent withdrawal from Dubai.