UFC enthusiasts are in for a treat as UFC 306 promises a lineup of exhilarating bouts set for September 14 at The Sphere in Las Vegas, coinciding fittingly with Mexican Independence Day weekend. As the second edition of the Noche UFC card, this event is poised to deliver a unique sporting spectacle, according to UFC president Dana White.
Main Event: O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili
Headlining the event, UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley will square off against Merab Dvalishvili. O'Malley, celebrated as one of the best strikers in UFC, will face off against Dvalishvili, whose grappling prowess is well known. This fight promises to be a thrilling encounter between one of UFC's top strikers and one of its premier grapplers. Adding an extra layer of intrigue, Dvalishvili is looking to avenge the loss of his close friend and former champion Aljamain Sterling.
Co-Main Event: Grasso vs. Shevchenko
The co-main event features an equally compelling matchup with UFC women's flyweight champion Alexa Grasso taking on Valentina Shevchenko. In what is set to be their third bout, Grasso currently leads the trilogy 1-0-1. Their last encounter ended in a draw during the inaugural Noche UFC card. Both fighters are expected to bring their A-game as they aim to settle the score once and for all.
Other Exciting Matchups
In another highly anticipated fight, Brian Ortega will face Diego Lopes. Originally scheduled for UFC 303, this bout was scrapped hours before the event, leaving fans eager to see how this featherweight showdown unfolds. Ortega and Lopes have had ample time to prepare, ensuring this clash will be one to watch.
Additionally, rising star Raul Rosas Jr. will take on Aoriqileng in a bantamweight bout. Rosas Jr. has displayed promising skills, making him a heavy favorite. Fans will also witness Norma Dumont battle Irene Aldana in the women’s bantamweight category, and Ignacio Bahamondes will square off against Manuel Torres in the lightweight division.
Key Undercard Fights
The undercard is equally stacked with talent, featuring Edgar Chairez against Kevin Borjas in the flyweight category and Ronaldo Rodriguez taking on Ode Osbourne. Not to be overlooked, Yazmin Jauregui will face off against Ketlen Souza in the women’s strawweight division, while Daniel Zellhuber will battle Esteban Ribovics in a lightweight bout.
Betting Odds
With fight night fast approaching, betting odds are already in place. Merab Dvalishvili is slightly favored at -130 against Sean O'Malley, who stands at +110. Meanwhile, Alexa Grasso is a slight favorite at -115 against Valentina Shevchenko at -105. Other notable odds include Diego Lopes favored at -170 against Brian Ortega at +140, and Raul Rosas Jr. heavily favored at -600 against Aoriqileng at +440. These odds provide an interesting angle for fans looking to make wagers on their favorite fighters.
Set to start at 10 p.m. ET, UFC 306 promises to deliver unforgettable moments and thrilling competition. As each fighter steps into the octagon, fans around the world will be glued to their screens, anticipating a night filled with excitement and high-caliber mixed martial arts action.