Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Rinat Fakhretdinov is looking to make further strides in the UFC’s welterweight division and continue his good run as he meets Carlos Leal at UFC 308 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday
RINAT FAKHRETDINOV VS CARLOS LEAL FACTS
When is UFC 308? UK – the preliminary card starts at 3:00pm on Saturday October 26th, 2024, followed by the main card at 7:00pm / USA – 10:00am/2:00pm ET and 7:00am/11:00am PT
Where is UFC 308? Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Where can I get tickets for UFC 308? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC 308
What TV channel is UFC 308 on? UK – TNT Sports Box Office / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC 308? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
For viewers in the United States, UFC 308 will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
What time are Rinat Fakhretdinov and Carlos Leal expected to walk out? 3.35pm UK / 10.35am US ET / 7.35am US PT / 5.35pm local
UFC 308 MAIN CARD EVENT
Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway (Featherweight)
Robert Whittaker vs Khamzat Chimaev (Middleweight)
Lerone Murphy vs Dan Ige (Featherweight)
Magomed Ankalaev vs Aleksandar Rakic (Light Heavyweight)
Sharabutdin Magomedov vs Armen Petrosyan (Middleweight)
UFC 308 Prelims
Geoff Neal vs Rafael dos Anjos (Welterweight)
Mateusz Rebecki vs Myktybek Orolbai (Lightweight)
Said Nurmagomedov vs Daniel Santos (Bantamweight)
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs Chris Barnett (Heavyweight)
Rinat Fakhretdinov vs Carlos Leal (Welterweight)
Abusupiyan Magomedov vs Brunno Ferreira (Middleweight)
Farid Basharat vs Victor Hugo (Bantamweight)
Ismail Naurdiev vs Bruno Silva (Middleweight)
Ibo Aslan vs Raffael Cerqueira (Light Heavyweight)
RINAT FAKHRETDINOV: THE GLADIATOR LOOKS TO EXTEND INCREDIBLE RUN
Rinat Fakhretdinov (22-1-1) brings an unbeaten run of 21 professional MMA fights into UFC 308 and while the vast majority of that run took place outside the UFC, he is showing he can produce the goods in the Octagon. After his knockout win over Eric Spicely in UAE Warriors 15 in January 2021, UFC top brass decided to bring him to the promotion and he has continued his destructive ways. He has since won four fights and drawn one although four of those bouts have gone to the scorecards.
CARLOS LEAL: BRAZILIAN DEBUTANT KEEN TO MAKE IMPRESSION IN OCTAGON
30-year-old Carlos Leal (21-5) is a latecomer to the UFC but the seasoned veteran will be motivated to take advantage of this golden opportunity at UFC 308. Leal is an incredibly tough fighter who has never been knocked out in 26 bouts with his only losses coming by decision (four times) and one submission. He comes off consecutive TKO wins and will be looking to make a statement on his UFC debut.
RINAT FAKHRETDINOV VS CARLOS LEAL PREDICTION
The UFC have brought these two welterweights together expecting fireworks and this should be one of the more entertaining bouts on the prelims. Leal is probably the more well-rounded of the two fighters but Fakhretdinov is unbelievably strong and powerful with his wrestling. As is the case with so many Russian fighters, he will make no bones about how he will approach this fight.
If he has his way, he will take Leal down as quickly as possible while Leal will try take his head off. Our thinking is that Rinat will have his way and grind down the Brazilian picking up a decision win or a late stoppage.
PREDICTION: RINAT FAKHRETDINOV TO WIN