SUMMARY
- Dana White started announcing fights for UFC 300 ahead of the New Year.
- Soon thereafter, there was the news of Holly Holm taking on the new signee, Kayla Harrison.
UFC 300 is arguably the most heavily anticipated card of 2024. With the auspicious event being the third centennial event of the promotion, there are major expectations from fans. However, it is safe to say that the announcements so far have been hit-and-miss.
Previously, UFC President Dana White started announcing fights for UFC 300 ahead of the New Year. With a few promising fights announced, it gave the fans a lot of hope about what the card could shape up to be. Moreover, with the addition of stars like Jiri Prochazka, Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, and others, fans felt that they were in for a treat.
Here’s how #UFC300 is shaping up so far 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oaqjxR8pvk
— UFC (@ufc) January 26, 2024
With that said, subsequent announcements haven’t gone down too well with the fans. As such, there is a growing conflict within the MMA fanbase regarding the WMMA fights on the card. Whilst some fans have labeled the fights as a ‘waste of space’ and ‘sh*t breaks’, others see the value and the entertainment that they can bring.
What are the WMMA fights set for UFC 300?
To kick things off, the UFC President teased the announcement of the first title fight on the card. Whilst the fans had a lot of high hopes, they were instead presented with Xhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan for the strawweight title. Naturally, there were many calling for White’s head after building so much hype for such a ‘bullsh*t’ fight. Although the fight itself was an exciting one, fans felt as though the spot could have been better utilized.
Soon thereafter, there was the news of Holly Holm taking on the new signee, Kayla Harrison. Considering that it would be a prelim fight and would feature two very popular women’s fighters, fans were relatively okay with this one. Despite many having harsh remarks about the matchup, it was viewed as a filler fight.
An all-Brazilian matchup is set! 🇧🇷@JessicaMMAPro & @WMMarz collide at #UFC300! pic.twitter.com/OKdLK2RHMq
— UFC (@ufc) January 26, 2024
However, the latest announcement has caused a lot of controversy. Recently, it was revealed that Jessica Andrade would be taking on Marina Rodriguez. Although it would be another prelim fight, a section of the community was outraged. With only a limited number of spots left, fans felt that the latest addition was out of place.
How have fans reacted to the fights revealed so far?
At the same time, ‘hardcore’ MMA fans have defended the matchup, labeling it an entertaining watch. Critics claim that UFC 300 should feature the best of the best and not fighters trying to find their way. Notably, both Jessica Andrade and Marina Rodriguez have only just course-corrected after a losing streak.
One of the fans took to X and said, “Put it on another card or on the prelims, not on the main card of UFC 300. It’s like ‘they had to’ otherwise there will be a mutiny of women after the UFC”.
Put it on another card or on the prelims, not on the main card of UFC 300. It’s like ‘they had to’ otherwise there will be a mutiny of women after the UFC
— Tom Sullivan (@TomS1919) January 27, 2024
According to popular MMA YouTubers like THE MMA GURU and LucasTracyMMA, the spot could instead have been given to a fight like Josh Emmett vs. Edson Barboza. Similarly, it has also been pointed out that UFC 301 in May will likely take place in Brazil. Thus, with both fighters being Brazilian, it would have made more sense to have them on the card.
Currently, the main and co-main events of UFC 300 are yet to be announced. However, many fans, seeing three WMMA fights on the card, have already given up hope. All things considered, the recent fights have received conflicting opinions, meaning that only a ‘rabbit out of the hat’ can set things right. As such, only time will tell what else is in store for the event.
