Dana White has disclosed the opening bout for UFC 300, emphasizing his commitment to crafting a stacked lineup for the event. Promising a card that would captivate fans, White asserted before UFC 296 that the initial fight of the night would leave spectators astounded.
Discussing the forthcoming event, White underscored his ambition to curate an unparalleled card, suggesting that each matchup could headline its own standalone event. Addressing reporters on Radio Row, he unveiled the first preliminary fight for UFC 300, featuring a clash between former champions.
“It’s been quite a challenge because my aim is to deliver the most exceptional card ever assembled,” White shared with the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “Every bout on the card right now could serve as a main event on either a Fight Night or a pay-per-view. I mean, we’re kicking off the card with Garbrandt and Figueiredo. What does that tell you?”
Opting for Deiveson Figueiredo versus Cody Garbrandt as the opening showdown for UFC 300 sets an electrifying tone for the event. On paper, the bout promises intensity and is poised to ignite excitement among fans right from the outset.
White’s surprise at featuring either Figueiredo or Garbrandt in the first fight of the night is understandable, given their history of headlining pay-per-view cards and their significant fan followings.
Figueiredo is fresh off a decision victory over Rob Font in December, marking his debut at bantamweight. Meanwhile, Garbrandt secured a knockout triumph over Brian Kelleher at UFC 296, extending his winning streak to two matches.
The current lineup for UFC 300 includes:
- Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway
- Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan
- Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan
- Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic
- Calvin Kattar vs. Aljamain Sterling
- Holly Holm vs. Kayla Harrison
- Bobby Green vs. Jim Miller
- Sodiq Yusuff vs. Diego Lopes
- Bo Nickal vs. Cody Brundage
- Jessica Andrade vs. Marina Rodriguez
- Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Cody Garbrandt
