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By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
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The UFC is set to return to Las Vegas, with UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche. The historic event will take place at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is chock full of dedications to Mexican Independence Day weekend.
Per a release from the UFC website:
"On Mexican Independence Day weekend, we honor Mexico's rich history and vibrant culture, a nation built on resilience, courage, and an indomitable fighting spirit. This year, with Riyadh Season Noche UFC we will proudly celebrate these enduring qualities, showcasing the power and passion that define both the Mexican people and our top-tier UFC athletes.
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Join us at Sphere, the revolutionary venue, as we witness the relentless drive and unyielding determination that mirror the very essence of Mexican independence in a spectacular, one-of-a-kind event, that embodies the heart and soul of a true warrior."
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The event is set to feature two title fights and a host of other great matchups throughout the night. Here is how to watch the upcoming UFC pay-per-view.
How to Watch
Early Prelims
The early prelims will feature one fight and be streamable on UFC Fight Pass. The bout is set for a start time of 7:30 p.m. EST.
Prelims
Prelims will feature five fights. Fans can view the prelims on ESPNews and ESPn+, starting at 8:00 p.m. EST.
Main Card
The main card features five fights, two of which are for titles in the UFC. Fans can order the pay-per-view on ESPN+.
Main Card Predictions
There are plenty of great fights on the main card. Here are the predictions for each bout.
Ronaldo Rodriguez (17-2-0) vs Ode Osbourne (12-7-0, 1 NC)
Rodriguez is coming off a big win in Feb., where he submitted Denys Bodard. Osbourne recently lost to submission in March by Jafel Filho.
Osbourne is coming off a 1-2 record, and despite being a power puncher and having a 64 percent takedown defense, expect Rodriguez to overwell him.
Rodriguez by submission, Round 2.
Daniel Zullhuber (15-1-0) vs Esteban Ribovics (13-1-0)
The fight between Zullhuber and Ribovics, as both have only one loss to their name.
Both are fantastic strikers and can opt to shoot and take each other down. However, Zullhuber has a 94 percent takedown defense, which will be tested against Ribovics' 66 percent takedown accuracy.
Expect Ribovics to shoot plenty and early, but he could gas himself if he does too much early on. Zullhuber can pick apart Ribovics and guard the takedown attempts, leading to the fighters going the distance.
Zullhuber by decision.
Brian Ortega (16-3-0) vs Diego Lopes (25-6-0)
The rematch of Ortega and Lopes is finally set to happen, and this bout might be the fight of the night.
Ortega is dangerous on the ground, but he is facing a fast and efficient striker in Lopes. Lopes' speed was on full display when he took on Dan Ige on hours' notice at UFC 300.
Lopes will attack Ortega and overwhelm him with his speed, not giving Ortega the chance to wrap him up.
Lopes by TKO/KO, Round 3.
Alexa Grasso (16-3-1) vs Valentina Shevchenko (23-4-1)
The long-awaited trilogy between Grasso and Schevchenko is finally here, and this fight could honestly go either way. Both are excellent strikers, both have a good ground game, and both are seemingly evenly matched.
Their last showdown led to a majority draw and was nearly as even as it could have been Shevchenko secured four takedowns to Grasso's one, but their significant strikes were nearly identical. Grasso ended the match with 81 and Shevchenko had 80.
Look for Schevchenko to shoot far more in this matchup and use her ground game to her advantage to wear down Grasso.
Shevchenko by submission, Round 5.
Sean O'Malley (18-1-0) vs Merab Dvalishvili (17-4-0)
O'Malley and Dvalishvili has been a long time coming. Both are excellent strikes that can also take their opponent to the ground. However, Dvalishvili might not be able to contain the quickness and odd style in which O'Malley fires off his devastating punches.
O'Malley has only gotten better through the high-level talent he has faced. He defeated Peter Yan, Aljamain Sterling, and Chito Vera in his last three bouts, showcasing elite striking that has overwhelmed each.
Expect O'Malley's style to be a problem for Dvalishvili early on.
O'Malley by KO/TKO, Round 2.
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