As UFC 300 approaches, the excitement builds around what promises to be one of the most thrilling events in mixed martial arts history. Set to dazzle fans at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on April 13, the card features an astounding array of talent, with twelve former and current champions throwing down in what could be epoch-defining bouts. Each fighter brings a unique story of resilience, skill, and sheer determination to the octagon.
Here’s a closer look at the remarkable journeys of these UFC 300 Champions as they prepare to etch new chapters in their storied careers.
UFC 300 Champions
Cody Garbrandt
Once known as "No Love," Cody Garbrandt’s meteoric rise through the bantamweight ranks captured the hearts of UFC fans worldwide. With a blend of charisma and devastating power, he clinched the title with a memorable victory over Dominick Cruz. Despite setbacks at the hands of TJ Dillashaw and a brief venture into the flyweight class, Garbrandt has rebounded strongly at 135 pounds, setting his sights on former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in a highly anticipated matchup.
Deiveson Figueiredo
Deiveson Figueiredo’s journey from UFC debutant at UFC 212 to flyweight champion is a testament to his explosive fighting style and resilience. Although a misstep at the scales initially denied him the title, he later secured the championship in a rematch with Joseph Benavidez. Now competing at bantamweight, Figueiredo remains a formidable force, eager to assert his dominance against Garbrandt.
Jéssica Andrade
Jéssica Andrade has faced a who’s who of the UFC’s strawweight and flyweight divisions, capturing the strawweight title in a thrilling fashion by defeating Rose Namajunas. Known for her power and ferocity, Andrade has remained a formidable contender across weight classes and now looks to make waves against Marina Rodriguez.
Holly Holm
The world-class boxer turned MMA superstar, Holly Holm made headlines worldwide with her stunning knockout of Ronda Rousey to claim the women’s bantamweight title. Despite ups and downs in subsequent title bids, Holm’s pedigree remains undisputed as she prepares to face off against Olympic judoka Kayla Harrison in a compelling bout.
Aljamain Sterling
Aljamain "Funk Master" Sterling’s tenure in the UFC has been marked by a steady ascent to the top of the bantamweight division, culminating in a title win over Petr Yan. After a heartbreak at UFC 292, Sterling is set to make his featherweight debut against Calvin Kattar, bringing his technical prowess and experience to a new weight class.
Jiří Procházka
The enigmatic Jiří Procházka burst onto the UFC scene with his unorthodox style and quickly captured the light heavyweight title. His reign was cut short by injury, but Procházka remains a top contender, facing Aleksandar Rakic in a highly anticipated return to action.
Charles Oliveira
Dubbed "Do Bronx," Charles Oliveira’s transformation from a featherweight contender to lightweight champion is one of the UFC’s great narratives. With the most finishes and submission wins in UFC history, Oliveira’s next challenge comes against the up-and-coming Arman Tsarukyan, in a bout that could redefine his legacy.
Max Holloway
Max "Blessed" Holloway’s record-setting run in the featherweight division has made him a legend of the sport. With most wins and knockouts in featherweight history, Holloway now seeks to conquer the lightweight division, starting with a blockbuster bout against Justin Gaethje for the BMF title.
Justin Gaethje
Known for his heart-stopping fights, Justin Gaethje’s path through the lightweight division has been nothing short of electrifying. After securing the BMF title, Gaethje looks to defend his belt against Holloway in what promises to be an explosive encounter.
Zhang Weili
As the UFC’s first Chinese champion, Zhang Weili has not only elevated her status but also the profile of MMA in Asia. Following epic battles against Joanna Jędrzejczyk and Rose Namajunas, Zhang aims to defend her strawweight title against Yan Xiaonan in an historic all-Chinese title fight.
Jamahal Hill
Rising from Dana White’s Contender Series to light heavyweight champion, Jamahal Hill has proven his mettle against the division’s elite. Now recovered from injury, Hill is poised to reclaim his title in a clash against fellow champion Alex Pereira, promising a battle for the ages.
Alex Pereira
Transitioning from kickboxing to MMA, Alex Pereira has made a seismic impact in the UFC, capturing titles in two weight classes within an impressively short span. As he prepares for his first light heavyweight title defense against Hill, Pereira aims to solidify his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
As these warriors prepare for battle at UFC 300, each carries not just the hopes of victory but the weight of their incredible journeys. Their stories of triumph and challenge are set to converge in a night of unforgettable action, where history will surely be made.