UFC 300: A Night etched in Combat Sports Eternity
When the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced its tercentenary event, expectations were not just high—they were astronomical. In the world of mixed martial arts, milestone events are more than just fight cards; they are cultural markers. UFC 100 brought the sport to the mainstream with Brock Lesnar; UFC 200 was a chaotic, star-studded affair in a new era of ownership. But UFC 300? UFC 300 was promised to be the greatest card in combat sports history, a celebration of three decades of violence, technique, and storytelling.
Now that the dust has settled inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, we can safely say: the promotion delivered.
From the first early preliminary bout to the final left hook of the main event, UFC 300 wasn’t just a collection of fights; it was a narrative arc that spanned generations of talent. It featured twelve current or former champions. It saw the debut of Olympic gold medalists. It witnessed one of the most terrifying knockouts in the history of the sport in the BMF title fight.
This comprehensive guide breaks down every angle of the historic night—the results, the controversies, the records broken, and the future implications for every winner and loser involved. Whether you are a hardcore analyst or a casual fan who missed the pay-per-view, this is the only retrospective you will ever need.
The Atmosphere: $300,000 Stakes and Record-Breaking Numbers
Before a single punch was thrown, UFC CEO Dana White raised the stakes in a way that fundamentally altered the psychology of the fighters. During the pre-fight press conference, a simple question from a reporter regarding fight bonuses led to an unprecedented decision: the standard $50,000 performance bonuses were raised to $300,000.
This six-fold increase changed the dynamic of the night. Fighters who might have played it safe for a win were suddenly incentivized to risk it all for a life-changing paycheck. The atmosphere in Las Vegas reflected this intensity. The gate receipt totaled $16.5 million, the third-highest in UFC history, trailing only UFC 205 (Alvarez vs. McGregor) and UFC 229 (Khabib vs. McGregor). With 20,067 fans in attendance, the T-Mobile Arena was a pressure cooker of anticipation.
The “Undercard” Myth
One of the most unique aspects of UFC 300 was the depth of the roster. In a typical pay-per-view, former champions headline or co-headline. At UFC 300, former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt and former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo opened the card. This wasn’t just a flex of matchmaking muscle; it was a statement. If former world champions are fighting at 3:00 PM on a prelim, the night is destined to be special.
Early Preliminary Card Breakdown: Legends and Contenders
The early prelims, broadcast on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass, set a violent tone for the evening. These weren’t “warm-up” fights; they were high-stakes divisional clashes.
Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Cody Garbrandt: The Bantamweight Opener
Result: Deiveson Figueiredo def. Cody Garbrandt via Submission (RNC) – Round 2, 4:02
The night began with a dream matchup between two heavy hitters. Cody “No Love” Garbrandt, looking to resurrect his career, faced the “God of War” Deiveson Figueiredo, who was making his second appearance at 135 pounds.
The Fight Analysis:
The first round was a tense, technical affair. Garbrandt looked sharp early, utilizing his speed and footwork to stay on the outside of Figueiredo’s power. He landed decent leg kicks and seemed to have the speed advantage. However, the size difference was palpable. Figueiredo, no longer depleting himself to make 125 pounds, looked thick and durable.
In the second round, the dynamic shifted. Figueiredo secured a takedown and instantly showcased his superior grappling. While Garbrandt is an accomplished wrestler on paper, his defensive grappling has often been his Achilles’ heel in transitions. Figueiredo transitioned beautifully to the back, flattening Garbrandt out. The rear-naked choke was deep and inevitable.
The Implication:
Figueiredo is now a serious threat at bantamweight. His power translates, and his grappling is elite. For Garbrandt, this loss is devastating. It relegates him to “gatekeeper” status, proving that while his hands are fast, his ground game remains a liability against the elite.
Bobby Green vs. Jim Miller: The BMF Audition
Result: Bobby Green def. Jim Miller via Unanimous Decision (29-27, 30-25, 29-26)
Jim Miller entered this fight with a unique distinction: he was the only fighter to compete at UFC 100, UFC 200, and UFC 300. A true ironman of the sport. His opponent, Bobby “King” Green, brought his unique hands-down, shoulder-roll boxing style to the cage.
The Fight Analysis:
This was a showcase performance for Bobby Green. While Miller had his moments early, landing a clean left hand that wobbled Green, the fight quickly turned into a beatdown. Green’s volume was overwhelming. He didn’t just out-strike Miller; he dismantled him.
By the second round, Miller’s face was a mask of blood. Green poured on the damage, landing crisp jabs and combinations while talking trash the entire time. The scores (including a 10-8 round) reflected the dominance. It was a bloody, gritty fight that honored the “BMF” spirit, even if no belt was on the line.
The Implication:
Jim Miller’s longevity is unmatched, but at 40 years old, his ceiling is capped. He got his moment at UFC 300, which was a victory in itself. Bobby Green, conversely, continues to be a high-level litmus test for the lightweight division, proving he can crack the top 15 when he is dialed in.
Jessica Andrade vs. Marina Rodriguez: The Brazilian Civil War
Result: Jessica Andrade def. Marina Rodriguez via Split Decision
In a crucial strawweight bout, former champion Jessica Andrade faced the lengthy striker Marina Rodriguez. This fight was a classic “Bull vs. Matador” matchup.
The Fight Analysis:
Andrade did what she does best: she marched forward, eating shots to land looping hooks. Rodriguez tried to utilize her reach, stinging Andrade with straight punches, but she struggled to keep the “Bate Estaca” off of her. The fight was close and competitive, swinging back and forth between Andrade’s pressure and Rodriguez’s technical countering.
The split decision win for Andrade showcased her veteran savvy. She knew when to flurry to steal rounds. It wasn’t the cleanest performance, but it kept her relevant in the title picture at 115 pounds.
Jalin Turner vs. Renato Moicano: The Comeback of the Night
Result: Renato Moicano def. Jalin Turner via TKO (Ground and Pound) – Round 2, 4:11
If you want to define “snatching victory from the jaws of defeat,” watch this fight.
The Fight Analysis:
In the first round, Jalin Turner dropped Moicano with a pristine straight left. Moicano fell flat on his back. Turner, assuming the fight was over or perhaps wanting a walk-off highlight, simply walked away and raised his hands. But the referee, Herb Dean, had not stopped the fight.
This hesitation was a fatal error. Moicano recovered, stood up, and the round ended. In the second round, a revitalized Moicano did what he does best: he dragged Turner to the deep waters of the ground game. Once on top, Moicano was ferocious, raining down elbows and punches until the referee stepped in.
The Implication:
Turner’s “walk-off” mistake will be used in fight IQ seminars for years. He had the win and let it slip away. Moicano, ever the showman, cut a hilarious post-fight promo, cementing his status as a fan favorite (“Money Moicano”) and proving that you should never let him recover.
The Televised Prelims: Violence, Debuts, and Resurrection
As the sun began to set in Las Vegas and the broadcast shifted to ESPN, the T-Mobile Arena was already nearing capacity. The “Prelims” for UFC 300 were better than most Fight Night main cards, featuring a slate of contenders desperate to steal the show.
Sodiq Yusuff vs. Diego Lopes: The New Featherweight Star
Result: Diego Lopes def. Sodiq Yusuff via TKO (Punches) – Round 1, 1:29
Diego Lopes has quickly become a cult hero in the UFC, and at UFC 300, he proved he is more than just a fun action fighter—he is a legitimate contender.
The Fight Analysis:
This fight was short, brutal, and decisive. Lopes wasted no time engaging Sodiq Yusuff, a dangerous striker in his own right. After a brief exchange, Lopes landed a thunderous uppercut that sent Yusuff crashing to the canvas. While Yusuff showed heart by trying to recover, Lopes swarmed him with a barrage of ground strikes. The referee stepped in at the 1:29 mark.
The Implication:
Diego Lopes is officially “Must-See TV.” His hairstyle might be meme-worthy, but his hands are nuclear. By destroying a ranked opponent in under two minutes on the biggest stage of the year, he rocketed himself into the Featherweight rankings.
Holly Holm vs. Kayla Harrison: A Changing of the Guard
Result: Kayla Harrison def. Holly Holm via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – Round 2, 1:47
This was perhaps the most anticipated debut in women’s MMA history. Two-time Olympic Judo gold medalist Kayla Harrison finally arrived in the UFC, cutting down to 135 pounds to face the former champion, Holly Holm.
The Fight Analysis:
Questions about Harrison’s weight cut were answered immediately: she looked terrifyingly strong. In the first round, she tossed Holm—a woman known for her physical strength—around the cage like a child. It was a judo clinic. Harrison easily secured takedowns and rained down heavy ground-and-pound elbows that visibly disheartened the former champ.
In the second round, the inevitable happened. Harrison closed the distance, took Holm down again, and effortlessly transitioned to the back. The rear-naked choke was sunk in instantly. Holm tapped, signaling the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.
The Implication:
Kayla Harrison is an immediate title threat. Her grappling pedigree is arguably the best the division has ever seen, surpassing even Ronda Rousey due to her physical imposingness. She didn’t just beat Holly Holm; she mauled her.
Calvin Kattar vs. Aljamain Sterling: The Funk Master Arrives at 145
Result: Aljamain Sterling def. Calvin Kattar via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Former Bantamweight king Aljamain Sterling moved up to Featherweight to face one of the division’s best boxers, Calvin Kattar.
The Fight Analysis:
This wasn’t a crowd-pleaser, but it was a masterclass in risk management. Sterling, knowing the danger of Kattar’s boxing, refused to play the striking game. He utilized his “Funk Master” wrestling style to close the distance, clinch, and drag Kattar to the mat repeatedly. Kattar, returning from a significant knee injury, looked hesitant and unable to stop the takedowns. Sterling controlled the pace for all 15 minutes, sweeping the scorecards.
The Implication:
Sterling proved his grappling translates to the heavier weight class, but he will need to show more offensive urgency to win over the fans at 145 pounds. For Kattar, this was a flat performance that raises questions about his future as a top contender.
Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic: The Samurai Returns
Result: Jiri Prochazka def. Aleksandar Rakic via TKO (Punches) – Round 2, 3:17
The featured prelim bout was a light heavyweight banger. Jiri Prochazka, the mystic samurai, looked to bounce back from his title loss to Alex Pereira, while Rakic returned from a two-year injury layoff.
The Fight Analysis:
Round one was all Rakic. He looked technically perfect, chopping down Prochazka’s lead leg with brutal calf kicks. Jiri’s erratic, hands-down movement seemed to be failing him as he ate clean counters.
But Jiri Prochazka thrives in chaos. In round two, realizing his leg was compromised, Jiri simply decided to walk through the fire. He abandoned defense and swarmed Rakic with a “storm” of hooks and uppercuts. Rakic, overwhelmed by the sheer violence and pressure, crumbled. Jiri poured on the strikes until Rakic went down, forcing the stoppage.
The Implication:
Prochazka remains the wildest, most unpredictable fighter in the sport. His refusal to accept a technical defeat in favor of a chaotic brawl is why fans adore him. This win put him right back in line for a title shot.
The Main Card: The Pay-Per-View Begins
The lights dimmed, the pay-per-view broadcast began, and the energy in the arena shifted from “excitement” to “electric.”
Bo Nickal vs. Cody Brundage: Growing Pains for the Prospect
Result: Bo Nickal def. Cody Brundage via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – Round 2, 3:38
Bo Nickal, the most hyped wrestling prospect in UFC history, opened the main card as a massive favorite (-2000).
The Fight Analysis:
Nickal dominated, but it wasn’t the 30-second destruction fans expected. He took Brundage down easily but struggled initially to find the finish, looking slightly frustrated in the first round. However, his wrestling pedigree is undeniable. In the second round, he secured the takedown, moved to the back, and locked in the choke.
The Implication:
Nickal is still green. While his wrestling is world-class, his transition to MMA submission finishing mechanics is still polishing. He won decisively, but this fight showed he needs more cage time before challenging the Top 10 Middleweights.
Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan: The Future is Now
Result: Arman Tsarukyan def. Charles Oliveira via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
In a title eliminator for the Lightweight division, the beloved former champion Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira faced the hungry young lion, Arman Tsarukyan.
The Fight Analysis:
This fight was a roller coaster.
- Round 1: Oliveira snatched a deep guillotine choke early. It looked tight—Tsarukyan was turning purple—but he managed to pop his head out. Tsarukyan then took over with top control and ground-and-pound.
- Round 2: Tsarukyan dominated this round with wrestling and heavy elbows from the top position, opening a cut on Oliveira’s head.
- Round 3: The fight was in the balance. Tsarukyan controlled much of the round, but in the final minute, Oliveira locked in a D’Arce choke that looked fight-ending. The bell saved Tsarukyan (or he was saved by the clock, depending on your view).
The Implication:
The split decision went to Tsarukyan, signaling a changing of the guard. Oliveira is still dangerous, but Tsarukyan proved he can survive the “Do Bronx” submission threats and out-wrestle the veteran. Tsarukyan is now the undisputed #1 contender for Islam Makhachev.
The BMF Title: The Greatest Knockout in UFC History?
If UFC 300 is remembered for one single moment fifty years from now, it will be the final second of the BMF Title fight.
Justin Gaethje (c) vs. Max Holloway: The “Blessed” Era Returns
Result: Max Holloway def. Justin Gaethje via KO (Punch) – Round 5, 4:59
Many pundits feared for Max Holloway’s health moving up to 155 pounds to face the most violent puncher in the division, Justin Gaethje. Those pundits were wrong.
The Fight Analysis:
From the opening bell, Holloway looked faster, sharper, and surprisingly powerful. At the end of Round 1, he landed a spinning back kick that shattered Gaethje’s nose. For the next three rounds, Holloway put on a striking clinic, piecing up a compromised Gaethje with combinations while avoiding the “Highlight’s” legendary leg kicks.
Gaethje showed incredible heart, dropping Holloway in the 4th round to prove he was still dangerous. But the fight belonged to Max.
The The Finish (4:59 of Round 5):
With 10 seconds left in a fight he was clearly winning on the scorecards, Max Holloway did the unthinkable. He pointed to the center of the octagon, inviting Gaethje to swing for the fences. It was a gladiator’s risk. They traded wild hooks in the center. With one second left on the clock, Holloway landed an overhand right that disconnected Gaethje from consciousness. Gaethje fell face-first at 4:59.
The Implication:
This wasn’t just a knockout; it was the knockout. Holloway reinvigorated his career, silenced doubters about his chin and power, and captured the BMF belt in the most “Bad Mother F***er” way possible. He is now a top contender in both the Featherweight and Lightweight divisions.
The Co-Main Event: The Chinese Dynasty
Zhang Weili (c) vs. Yan Xiaonan: History for China
Result: Zhang Weili def. Yan Xiaonan via Unanimous Decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-45)
This was the first-ever all-Chinese title fight in UFC history, showcasing the explosion of MMA talent in Asia.
The Fight Analysis:
This fight was a tale of two extremes.
- The Near Finish: In Round 1, Zhang Weili secured a rear-naked choke. Yan Xiaonan refused to tap. As the bell rang, Yan appeared to go limp—she was unconscious. Her corner revived her, and miraculously, she came out for Round 2 fighting hard.
- The Resilience: Yan Xiaonan showed incredible toughness, actually knocking Zhang down and out-striking her in the middle rounds. She proved she belonged in the cage with the champion.
- The Championship Adjustment: Sensing the danger on the feet, Zhang Weili switched to her wrestling. She dominated the later rounds with takedowns and top control, ensuring the decision victory.
The Implication:
Zhang Weili remains the queen of the Strawweight’s, but Yan Xiaonan’s stock rose significantly. She survived a choke that would have finished 99% of fighters and made the champion work for every inch.
The Main Event: The King of 300
Alex Pereira (c) vs. Jamahal Hill: “Chama”
Result: Alex Pereira def. Jamahal Hill via KO (Left Hook) – Round 1, 3:14
The main event featured the Light Heavyweight Champion Alex “Poatan” Pereira defending against the former champion Jamahal Hill, who never lost his belt in the cage (he vacated due to injury).
The Fight Analysis:
The fight began with a tense feeling-out process. Hill, a southpaw, looked to land straight lefts to the body. Pereira stalked him, measuring the distance with calf kicks.
The Finish:
The sequence that ended the fight is already legendary.
- Jamahal Hill threw a kick that accidentally struck Pereira in the groin.
- Referee Herb Dean stepped in to pause the action.
- Pereira, without breaking eye contact with Hill, waved Herb Dean away, signaling “I’m fine.”
- One second later, as Hill reset, Pereira stepped in and unleashed his signature left hook.
- Hill collapsed backward. Pereira followed up with ground strikes, and it was all over.
The Implication:
Alex Pereira is a phenomenon. In just a handful of years, he has become a two-division champion and headlined the biggest card in history with a first-round knockout. He seemingly possesses a “touch of death” in his left hand. By waving off the referee and scoring the KO immediately after, he created one of the coldest highlights in sports history.
UFC 300 Conclusion: A Night for the Ages
UFC 300 promised to be the biggest event in combat sports history, and against all odds, it over-delivered.
- $300,000 bonuses fueled historic violence.
- Max Holloway created the most viral moment in the sport’s history.
- Alex Pereira cemented his status as the face of the post-McGregor era.
As the canvas is cleaned and the lights go down on the T-Mobile Arena, one thing is certain: The UFC has set a bar so high with event 300, we may not see it topped until UFC 400.
