UFC 316 is finally here.

After paying our dues for the past few weeks, the UFC finally turns the corner with quality fights for the next pay-per-view. There are not only two title fights, but big names make their return in New Jersey to complete a stacked card for UFC 316.

To review one of the worst cards in UFC history, we go down 0.316 U after Kurt Holobaugh gets finished and Andreas Gustafsson doesn’t make the walk due to another opponent’s injury. We’re still up +6.034 U in just under two months, and we have some great fights to capitalize on.

Let’s take a look at the amazing main card for UFC 316, and be sure to check SlotsFighter.com later this week for our best bets heading into fight night!

MAIN CARD BREAKDOWN

Vincent Luque

3.15

1.37

Kevin Holland

Vincent Luque was gifted a ‘return to form’ fight last time out and capitalized. It’s no secret that Luque has suffered some serious setbacks and hasn’t looked the same ever since. Themba Gorimbo was a massive step down, and Luque got the anaconda choke in under a minute. As nice as it was to see Luque get a vintage finish, it won’t be that easy against Kevin Holland.

Holland is a solid grappler who struggles with wrestling, but at welterweight, he’s held his own. Examining his record, most of his notable losses are against strong middleweights who excel in grappling and wrestling. He has a split decision loss to the current champion, Jack Della Maddalena, and a lot of that has to do with his 81” reach.

Both guys can be hit, but if Luque can’t find the takedowns, and Holland can keep the fight on the feet, this will be a tough test for Luque because of the range. He likes to fight in close boxing range, but Holland is good at maintaining a longer distance. Regardless of how this fight ends, it’s an incredible start to an immaculate main card.

Mario Bautista

2.50

1.55

Patchy Mix

Patchy Mix is finally in the UFC and is a big favorite against Mario Bautista. Mix was a champion with Bellator/PFL and comes in as one of the best fighters outside the UFC over the last five years.

Bautista is coming in after his controversial win against Jose Aldo, and his gameplan is clear. He likes to use his wrestling, press you against the cage, and work for his takedowns to get top control. He’s a top 10 fighter in the division, but where does Mix fit in with the top guys in the division?

He’s an elite grappler, has good cardio, and can do solid damage on the feet. If there’s anyone who can give a good wrestler trouble, it’s Mix. This matchup will force Bautista to fight in uncomfortable areas, and he will undoubtedly work tirelessly for his advantageous positions. If he fails, it’s hard to see Mix losing this fight.

Kelvin Gastelum

4.00

1.26

Joe Pyfer

This fight was already scheduled earlier this year but was called off after Joe Pyfer fell sick in Mexico City. Kelvin Gastelum has had his fair share of missed fights, but missing his opportunity to fight in Mexico probably hurt. Now, he’s an even bigger underdog against the same fighter in New Jersey.

Gastelum is known for his toughness, improved boxing, and wrestling. This fight will come down to how well he can take Pyfer’s power and execute as the fight goes on. Pyfer has struggled later in fights, but his size and power can’t be underestimated. While there’s a five-inch height difference, there’s only a four-inch reach advantage for Pyfer.

The major stat that stands out for me is the 59% takedown defense for Gastelum and 50% for Pyfer. If either fighter decides to wrestle, it will be interesting to see how well they can hold position and inflict damage. The line could be a little wide, but Gastelum has far more to beware of than Pyfer.

Julianna Pena

5.70

1.15

Kayla Harrison

Stylistically, it’s tough to see how Julianna Pena can beat Kayla Harrison. Her biggest claim to fame was putting the pressure on Amanda Nunes and forcing her into a firefight. She was able to survive the striking exchanges and won the cardio battle en route to a submission victory.

Harrison is a well-rounded MMA fighter with a strong background in judo. She’s been able to avoid dangerous spots with every opponent so far, and her win over Holly Holm was her most impressive win thus far. The biggest critique for Harrison is her strength of schedule. Her PFL reign was littered with sub-par fighters, and her UFC run only includes Holm and Ketlen Vieira.

If Pena can survive the early onslaught and avoid any damage against the cage or on her back, it would not be surprising to see her find ways to steal later rounds. That’s a lot tougher than it seems, and it will take the best version of Pena we’ve ever seen to pull that off.

Merab Dvalishvili

1.35

3.30

Sean O’Malley

It would not be surprising to see Sean O’Malley backers as fight week progresses. He has all the skills in the world as a striker and made the necessary changes in his personal life to improve on his first performance against Merab Dvalishvili. He’s been criticized heavily for getting an immediate title shot, but he has the following and the star power to earn a rematch.

Dvalishvili is becoming one of the best bantamweights of all time. While he has had losses in his career, his growth throughout his time with the UFC is remarkable. He’s beaten every major challenger en route to his title win against O’Malley, and, on paper, does not look like he’ll lose it anytime soon

Even with this being a massive title fight between two elite fighters, the gameplan is simple. Dvalishvili will mix it up well before spamming his takedowns and controlling the fight from top position. The only thing O’Malley needs to focus on is keeping the fight standing. If it stays in striking range, O’Malley has the skills to win his title back. The problem is that Dvalishvili has the best gas tank in the UFC and is an incredible pressure fighter. That combo, along with his improved striking, allows him to fight the best strikers and wrestlers and find ways to win.

Will we see a brand new O’Malley? Fights are hoping that’s the case so we can enjoy a much more competitive fight this time around.

UFC 316 will deliver in a big way. The main card is stacked the prelims feature a collection of fighters who are hungry to make their mark on the big stage. Can we find the right spots to hit big at UFC 316? Stay locked to SlotsFighter.com for our best bets for UFC 316 later in the week.

Don’t forget about our partnership with ROYAL CASINOS. Here are the details if you want to take advantage of a sportsbook bonus ahead of UFC 316:

PROMO CODE: LUCKYBETS
Free Bet Amount: €20 (or equivalent in other currencies)
Minimum Deposit: €20 (or equivalent in other currencies)
Minimum Odds: 1.4 per selection or event
Maximum Odds for Combo Bets: 50
Validity Period: 7 days from deposit
Additional Conditions:

Email confirmation required
Not available for duplicate accounts
Single activation only

To get your free bet, register at one of our Royal Casinos – FLAGMAN, GIZBO, 1GO, DRIP, JET, STARDA, MONRO, IZZI,LEX, IRWIN or LEGZO!