In a pivotal showdown to conclude the preliminaries, Curtis Blaydes clashed with the much-heralded Jailton Almeida, boasting an unblemished UFC record adorned with spectacular finishes.

Blaydes emerged victorious over Almeida via TKO (strikes) just 36 seconds into Round 2. Despite Almeida’s initial control in the opening round, which saw him effortlessly bring Blaydes to the mat, Blaydes managed to weather the storm with minimal damage.

Curtis Blaydes d. Jailton Almeida during UFC 299 at Miami’s Kaseya Center

However, the tide turned in the second round as Blaydes showcased his dominance by thwarting Almeida’s takedown attempts. With precision and power, Blaydes unleashed a flurry of hammer fists from the clinch, swiftly bringing the fight to a decisive conclusion.

The Main Card ignited the crowd’s excitement as fans eagerly awaited the appearance of their favorite fighters. Cheers resonated throughout the arena, particularly for the South Florida fighters and of course the Bantamweight Title fight between Marlon “Chito” Vera and “Suga” Sean O’Malley.

Among the notable personalities spotted in the audience were former President Donald Trump, Tony Hawk, Steve-O, Mr. Beast, Candace Owens, YouTuber KSI, and WWE United States Champion Logan Paul, who showed their enthusiastic support for the event.

Additionally, a multitude of former and current fighters graced the event with their presence, including Colby Covington, George St. Pierre, Merab Dvalishvili, Kamaru Usman, Cory Sandhagen, Robbie Lawler, Arman Tsarukyan, Kayla Harrison, newly inducted Hall of Famer Joanna Jędrzejczyk, and current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

Opening the Main Card, Petr Yan and Song Yadong, both aged 31 and 26 respectively, with identical 67” reaches, anticipation was high. Yan was seen as having the superior overall skill set, while Yadong possessed genuine one-punch knockout power and likely better boxing prowess, making him a slight underdog.

The bout commenced with Yadong, representing Alpha Male, initiating with a swift left hook, setting the pace. Yan showcased strong defensive skills by countering Yadong’s early takedown attempt. Throughout the first round, Yadong aggressively targeted Yan’s body with jabs, utilizing blitzes and leg attacks. He secured a takedown off Yan’s body kick but Yan managed to get back up, albeit struggling. Yan attempted to regain control with powerful strikes but mostly missed his targets.

Petr Yan d. Yadong Song during UFC 299 at Miami’s Kaseya Center

Entering the second round, Yadong continued his assault with body kicks and feints, causing Yan to react excessively. Yan’s confidence seemed to wane as he covered up and shied away from exchanges. Despite landing some solid uppercuts and an overhand right, Yan found himself defending against Yadong’s takedown attempts, though he managed to land effective combinations. Towards the end of the round, Yan’s confidence surged as he secured a well-timed takedown, causing damage to Yadong’s left eye.

As the fight progressed into the third round, Yan took the initiative with jabs and attempted takedowns, maintaining control. Yadong showed signs of fatigue as Yan landed spinning kicks and continued to dominate with ground and pound, ultimately securing side control and a rear-naked choke right before the end of the fight.

Petr Yan d. Yadong Song during UFC 299 at Miami’s Kaseya Center

In the end, Yan’s strategic approach and dominance in the third round earned him a unanimous decision victory (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). He expressed gratitude for the support and affirmed that he was back to his old form, reminding fans that his initial rounds typically serve as a means to analyze opponents for later advantage. 

Jack Della Maddalena, despite being the favorite, faced Gilbert Burns with a significant age gap of 10 years, as Jack is 27 years old. There was a slight reach advantage for Jack with 73 inches compared to Gilbert’s 71 inches. Jack entered the fight on a formidable 10-fight win streak.

The bout began with both fighters meeting in the middle, with Gilbert appearing tense and ready for a brawl. Burns initiated with body and leg kicks, while Jack initially relied on his boxing. Despite Burns having a strong fan base in attendance, Jack managed to stay composed and began countering effectively.

Jack Della Maddalena d. Gilbert Burns during UFC 299 at Miami’s Kaseya Center

As the fight progressed, Gilbert attempted takedowns, with Jack showcasing his defensive skills by getting back to his feet. Gilbert exerted energy in trying to control Jack on the ground, while Jack maintained distance with kicks and jabs. Both fighters exchanged strikes, with Jack landing significant combinations and Gilbert responding with powerful strikes of his own.

Jack Della Maddalena d. Gilbert Burns during UFC 299 at Miami’s Kaseya Center

In round two, Burns continued with body kicks, while Jack found success landing hooks in Gilbert’s guard. Gilbert attempted takedowns and landed a solid elbow, but Jack managed to stay active with long jabs and effective counters. Burns connected with an overhand right that staggered Jack, but Jack retaliated with a flurry of strikes. The round ended with Burns securing a takedown and Jack taunting him with weak punches from the ground.

Heading into round three, Jack utilized kicks to maintain distance, while Gilbert seemed hesitant in his striking. Despite Gilbert’s attempts at a takedown, Jack defended well and managed to keep the fight standing. However, Gilbert eventually secured a takedown, but Jack quickly got back to his feet and delivered heavy ground and pound, leading to a TKO victory for Jack Della Maddalena at 3:43 of Round 3.

Jack Della Maddalena d. Gilbert Burns during UFC 299 at Miami’s Kaseya Center

The fight showcased both fighters’ skills and determination, with Jack ultimately securing the win due to his effective striking and resilience against Gilbert’s grappling attempts.

In his UFC debut, Michael ‘Venom’ Page, widely known as MVP, faced off against Kevin Holland in a highly anticipated match. MVP made a memorable entrance, shedding his cloak and dancing to the sound of bells tolling. With a remarkable record, MVP had won seven out of his last eight fights and held the title of a 10-time world kickboxing champion.

Kevin Holland during UFC 299 at Miami’s Kaseya Center

Kevin Holland entered the arena confidently, holding the record for the most wins in a single calendar year, tied with another fighter. Both fighters possessed unique attributes, with MVP known for his speed advantage, while Holland seemed to have a ground advantage. Standing at 6’3 each, Holland held a slight reach advantage with a 2-inch reach advantage at 81”.

Round 1: MVP started with a bladed stance, effectively countering Holland’s advances. He landed a significant right hand early on, taunting his opponent. Holland responded with leg kicks and adeptly avoided MVP’s feints. However, a misplaced punch attempt led to a clinch against the fence, with both fighters exchanging stomps and shoulder strikes.

Michael Page d. Kevin Holland during UFC 299 at Miami’s Kaseya Center

MVP managed to break free and returned to his bladed stance, landing strikes with precision. He utilized a combination of jabs, elbows, and body kicks, showcasing his versatility. Despite Holland’s resilience, MVP continued to land hard shots, including a spinning elbow.

Round 2: MVP’s spinning kick was blocked by Holland, who countered with a powerful left hand, leading to a clinch against the fence. Both fighters displayed mutual respect and enjoyment of the matchup. MVP maintained distance and landed a solid right hand, but slipped while throwing a kick, allowing Holland to secure a takedown.

Holland attempted a rear-naked choke and landed heavy elbows on the ground. Despite Holland’s dominance on the ground, MVP managed to get back to his feet and landed significant strikes, including a cutting right hand that wobbled Holland.

Michael Page d. Kevin Holland during UFC 299 at Miami’s Kaseya Center

Round 3: MVP started aggressively, tripping Holland and landing heavy strikes. He continued to attack with a mix of strikes, including a cowboy-style one-two kick attempt. MVP’s spinning elbows caused a cut under Holland’s eye, visibly frustrating him.

Despite Holland’s efforts to secure takedowns and control the cage, MVP’s elusive movement and striking prowess prevailed. Both fighters engaged in verbal exchanges, but MVP’s superior striking and defense led him to a unanimous victory. Following the fight, it was obvious that MVP earned the respect from his opponent and the audience alike.

In a thrilling matchup, Dustin Poirier, aged 35, faced off against the 27-year-old Benoit Saint Denis, holding a slight reach advantage of 1″ at 73″. Dustin, representing American Top Team of Coconut Creek, brought his renowned skillset to the Octagon.

The fight kicked off with Denis initiating with leg kicks, only to be met with a forceful counter from Poirier. Saint Denis attempted a takedown, but Poirier swiftly transitioned into a guillotine choke. Despite Denis’s escape and clinch against the cage, Poirier remained composed, defending against strikes while Denis targeted knees. Denis then tried to secure a rear-naked choke, but Poirier shook him off, creating separation. Poirier persisted with guillotine attempts, winning exchanges with his superior boxing. Despite a cut, Poirier managed a takedown, but Denis responded with body shots. The round ended with a series of fast-paced exchanges, with Denis ultimately landing more damage.

Dustin Poirier d. Benoit Saint-Denis during UFC 299 at Miami’s Kaseya Center

Round 2 commenced with both fighters visibly fatigued, yet Poirier, no stranger to adversity, pressed forward. He stunned Denis with a short hook and attempted another guillotine, which Denis escaped. However, Denis capitalized, gaining mount and applying pressure, but Poirier managed to escape and return to his feet. Denis attempted a takedown, but Poirier opted to exchange strikes while standing. Poirier found success with a powerful left hand, ultimately flooring Saint Denis with a knockout, securing the victory at 2:32 of Round 2.

Dustin Poirier d. Benoit Saint-Denis during UFC 299 at Miami’s Kaseya Center

Poirier’s resilience was on full display, proving his mettle in the face of adversity. Despite pre-fight doubts, Poirier’s determination shone through, ultimately earning him the win. Both fighters displayed mutual respect in the aftermath of the intense battle.

In a highly anticipated rematch, Sean “Suga” O’Malley faced off against Marlon “Chito” Vera in a battle of skill and determination.

Before the bout commenced, O’Malley, aged 29, squared up against Vera, aged 31. O’Malley boasted a height advantage, standing at 5’11”, towering three inches above Vera, with a reach advantage of 1.5 inches.

Both fighters exuded confidence and readiness as they entered the octagon. O’Malley’s trademark swagger was evident, as he defiantly flashed a ‘0’ when his sole loss was announced by Bruce Buffer. The audience fervently supported both warriors, with O’Malley entering the fight as the favored contender.

Round 1: O’Malley set the pace early, utilizing feints and landing heavy leg kicks to assert dominance. Despite Vera’s efforts to control the center, O’Malley’s precise strikes including body kicks, kept him at bay. O’Malley’s agility and speed were showcased as he effectively evaded Vera’s attacks while landing significant blows to the body and head. Though Vera displayed increased activity as the round progressed, O’Malley’s superior performance earned him a decisive victory in the round.

‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley d. Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera during UFC 299 at Miami’s Kaseya Center

Round 2: O’Malley continued his offensive onslaught with spinning kicks and powerful strikes to Vera’s body and head. Vera struggled to find openings as O’Malley defended adeptly and countered with precision. Despite Vera’s attempts to push forward, O’Malley’s relentless pressure resulted in a knockdown with a devastating right hand.

Round 3: O’Malley maintained control with a combination of accurate strikes and solid defense, though Vera showed signs of resilience and landed some noteworthy shots. Despite Vera’s late-round surge, O’Malley’s composure and effective striking kept him ahead on the scorecards.

‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley d. Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera during UFC 299 at Miami’s Kaseya Center

Round 4: Vera came out with increased aggression, making the fight more chaotic, but O’Malley remained composed and landed heavy shots while avoiding most of Vera’s attacks. Both fighters showed signs of wear and tear, with O’Malley’s nose bleeding heavily, but he continued to dictate the pace with his precise striking. Vera’s focus on targeting O’Malley’s legs posed a potential threat, but O’Malley’s overall dominance remained unshaken.

Round 5: O’Malley maintained his focus and continued to land significant strikes, visibly hurting Vera. Despite Vera’s persistent efforts to push forward, O’Malley’s calculated approach and accurate combinations kept him in control. Both fighters exchanged blows, with O’Malley showcasing resilience and maintaining his strategic approach until the final bell.

‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley d. Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera during UFC 299 at Miami’s Kaseya Center

In the end, Sean O’Malley’s technical prowess, composed demeanor, and relentless offense secured him a unanimous decision victory (50-45, 50-45, 50-44) over Marlon Vera. O’Malley’s performance reaffirmed his status as a top contender in the division, showcasing his ability to handle pressure and overcome challenges inside the octagon.