MMA Preview – Ricky Simon vs Vinicius Oliveira at UFC 303
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
RICKY SIMON VS VINICIUS OLIVEIRA FACTS
When is UFC 303? Sunday 30th June, 2024 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 303? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 303? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 303
What channel is UFC 303 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC 303? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
RICKY SIMON VS VINICIUS OLIVEIRA LOWDOWN
When Ricky Simon (20-5) inflicted the first loss on Jack Shore’s (2022) record by cinching him up in an arm-triangle collecting a ‘Performance of the Night’ bonus, he had future title contender written all over him. However, he now faces a three-fight skid after getting knocked out by Yadong Song (2023) and then losing a unanimous decision to Mario Bautista (2024) at UFC Fight Night 234.
Vinicius Oliveira (20-3) has exploded onto the UFC scene. He got his opportunity on the Contender Series by knocking out Hikaru Yoshino (2023) for UAE Warriors. He starched Victor Madrigal (2023) to set up his debut against Bernardo Sopai (2024) who he flatlined with a stunning flying knee in a ‘knockout of the year’ contender.
RICKY SIMON VS VINICIUS OLIVEIRA PREDICTION
This is a very interesting matchup as they both possess the skillset to make this look easy. Simon has some of the most underrated wrestling in the division and has the cardio to keep up a suffocating pace for 25 minutes let alone 15.
Oliveira on the other hand is a natural finisher and is ultra aggressive. He possesses explosive knockout power and lethal Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He will be confident that he can knock Simon out whether that be with his hands or a knee when Simon shoots in. He will also have the confidence in his jiu-jitsu to attack off his back and at least leverage those skills to get back to the feet.
That said, we feel Simon’s wrestling will be enough to take Oliveira down and drain the gas tank. We expect him to grind out a decision, but Oliveira makes all the sense as the underdog particularly if Simon backs himself on the feet.
Prediction: Simon via Decision
Value Bet: Oliveira via KO/TKO or Submission
