UFC 310 is right around the corner, bringing the final pay-per-view event of 2024 to the electrifying city of Las Vegas.
Before the holiday season takes over Sin City, let's dive into some undercard fights that promise to deliver unexpected thrills.
Join us as we explore four matchups that might just have you cheering for the underdogs.
Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry
Get ready for the co-main event of UFC 310, where two undefeated welterweight contenders will clash for a shot at the UFC welterweight title.
Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry are set to go head-to-head in what promises to be an epic showdown.
Rakhmonov, the betting favorite, has been dominating his opponents and was originally scheduled to challenge Belal Muhammad for the title.
However, after Muhammad's injury, Rakhmonov accepted the challenge from Garry, who is no pushover. Garry, with his elite fight IQ and training at Chute Boxe under coach Diego Lima, has leveled up his game and has emerged as a legitimate contender at 170 pounds.
This fight is not just about chasing a highlight-reel finish; it's a title eliminator, and both fighters will be laser-focused on securing the victory.
While Rakhmonov is known for his relentless finishing ability, Garry's game plan and strict approach could prove to be the key to his success.
Expect a tactical battle with Garry utilizing his kickboxing skills from range and capitalizing on Rakhmonov's weaknesses in the later rounds.
This fight is much closer than many believe, and the UFC odds for a Garry victory offer great value.
Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov
Get ready for an electrifying clash in the UFC heavyweight division as Ciryl Gane faces off against Alexander Volkov in a battle that could propel either fighter into championship contention. While uncertainty looms at the top with Jon Jones's hesitations and interim champion Tom Aspinall's rise, Gane and Volkov are determined to make their mark.
Gane, coming off a loss to Jones, rebounded with a TKO victory over Serghei Spivac, showcasing his resilience and hunger for success. However, it's been a while since we've seen "Bon Gamin" in action. On the other hand, Volkov has been on a tear, bouncing back from a submission defeat to Aspinall and securing four consecutive wins.
The odds may favor Gane, but don't count out Volkov. With his size, reach, and versatile skill set, he poses a real threat to Gane's striking prowess. Volkov's recent victory over Sergei Pavlovich displayed his willingness to mix things up, including taking the fight to the ground. Given Gane's vulnerability in past grappling exchanges, Volkov may look to exploit that weakness and seek a finish on the mat.
At odds of 2/1, betting on Volkov offers enticing value. This fight is much closer than the odds suggest, especially considering Gane's extended absence and Volkov's resurgence.
Nate Landwehr vs. Dooho Choi
Get ready for an absolute banger as Nate "The Train" Landwehr and "The Korean Superboy" Dooho Choi collide in what promises to be an unforgettable showdown at UFC 310.
This opening bout on the main card is primed to be a potential contender for Fight of the Night, and it's not hard to see why.
Landwehr, known for his relentless forward pressure, packs a serious punch and approaches every fight with an all-or-nothing mindset.
With heavy hands and an unwavering spirit, he guarantees an explosive matchup against Choi, who is no stranger to thrilling battles himself.
In fact, Choi's mesmerizing bout against Cub Swanson has even earned a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame.
Expect fireworks as these two warriors clash. Landwehr brings the power advantage, but Choi's speed is unmatched. With Landwehr's aggressive style and Choi's ability to capitalize on openings, "The Korean Superboy" has a real shot at claiming a stoppage victory. It's bound to be a wild contest for as long as it lasts.
Anthony Smith vs. Dominick Reyes
Former title challengers Anthony Smith and Dominick Reyes share the octagon, with both fighters looking to make their mark once again.
While Reyes had a more promising showing against Jon Jones in the past, it's worth noting that both fighters fell short in their respective battles against the former champion. Since then, Reyes has faced a challenging stretch, enduring four consecutive losses.
However, he did bounce back with a first-round knockout victory over Dustin Jacoby earlier this year. On the other hand, Smith has had a mixed bag of results in his recent outings, alternating between wins and losses.
His well-rounded skill set and ability to finish fights with strikes or submissions make him a formidable opponent. In terms of odds, Reyes enters the bout as a 3/10 favorite, while Smith presents an enticing 12/5 opportunity.
When considering the odds and the stylistic matchup, Smith's versatility, particularly on the ground, could pose significant challenges for Reyes.
While Reyes has yet to be submitted, Smith's history as a finisher in both striking and grappling adds an intriguing layer to this contest.
With both fighters potentially past their prime, Smith's more varied attack makes him an attractive value bet at 12/5.
A Night of Unmissable Showdowns
The undercard of UFC 310 is brimming with excitement, showcasing a blend of rising stars, seasoned contenders, and matchups that could redefine the trajectory of their divisions. From the tactical brilliance of Shavkat Rakhmonov versus Ian Machado Garry to the high-stakes heavyweight clash between Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov, these fights promise moments that will leave fans on the edge of their seats. Add to that the explosive potential of Nate Landwehr against Dooho Choi and the veteran showdown between Anthony Smith and Dominick Reyes, and it’s clear that this card is more than just a prelude to the main event. As the lights shine bright in Las Vegas, UFC 310's undercard has all the makings of an unforgettable night, ensuring every fight fan gets their fill of drama, action, and surprises.
