UFC 308 is another loaded show for the company during a banner year. The five-match main card features a trio of undefeated fighters, including featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who will headline against fan favorite Max Holloway. The Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi has become a new staple of the pay-per-view calendar. It’s a gorgeous venue that is in for another treat.
The prelims will begin on ESPN+ at 10 a.m. ET, while the main card starts on PPV at 2 p.m. ET. After reviewing the film and combing through the fights, here are my favorite plays for UFC 308.
Best UFC 308 Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Khamzat Chimaev to win by submission (+240)
After a career-defining win against Kamaru Usman, Khamzat Chimaev returns to the Octagon to challenge Robert Whittaker. The Russian native is a gifted striker, but he’s developed the suffocating ground game adopted by many fellow Eastern European fighters in recent years.
Whittaker hasn’t lost to submission since 2011—likely due to his accomplished freestyle wrestling background. Even with his experience, Whittaker’s most probable path to victory is knocking out an overzealous Chimaev. The latter emphasized he’s “not just there (the UFC) to wrestle,” but I’m calling his bluff. His cardio and aggressiveness will be the difference, and despite his reluctance, he will take it to the mat early and often before choking out the Aussie star.
Shara Magomedov to win by KO/TKO (+300)
Shara Magomedov has only had three fights in the UFC, but it’s hard to forget him. The monstrous 6’2″ middleweight sports a red 2012 Justin Bieber flow with a matching long beard fitting for the holiday season. His unique look adds to his overall package—an up-and-coming bruiser with all the tools to win a title.
The “bullet” is relentless in the cage, peppering opponents with a blend of ferocious leg kicks and fists that ravage them. The power has been apparent but has yet to translate to decisive finishes. Even with a step up in competition, this has all the markings of a breakout performance for Magomedov. He’ll put the pressure on early and knock out a reeling Armen Petrosyan.
Ilia Topuria to win by decision (+240)
It’s Ilia Topuria’s second main event of the year and first time defending his featherweight belt. “El Matador” won his first seven professional scaps by submission but secured five of his last eight by KO. That versatility makes him one of the best pound-for-pound athletes in the sport, and at 27, he’s likely just scratching the surface.
The veteran Max Holloway is hungry to get back to the top of the mountain and has won three straight. Holloway’s experience gives him a tremendous edge, but Topuria’s talent is undeniable. Natural ability will prevail, but it’ll take five rounds to get there in a slow-burning affair.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is xaiver-aguiar) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
