The Co-op Live arena in Manchester will host Leon Edwards' third title defense against Belal Muhammad. The card is loaded with stars from top to bottom, and the two title fights are rematches, which adds suspense to the action. The co-main event is an interim title fight between Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes. It is a normal start time despite being across the pond, with the early prelims beginning at 6:15 p.m. EDT and the main card at 10 p.m. EDT.
The prelims will begin at 8 p.m. EDT and feature several regional fighters. Fan-favorite "Meatball" Molly McCann will take on Bruna Brasil in the women's strawweight division. England's Jake Hadley is fighting Ireland's Caolan Loughran in a matchup between two prospects. I will give my best bets for the prelims below and help you get in on the entertaining action.
UFC 304 Preliminary Card Odds, Picks & Predictions (2024)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Jake Hadley (+170) vs. Caolan Loughran (-205)
Jake Hadley is entering this bout on short notice and will be moving up from flyweight for this fight in front of his home crowd. Hadley is from England and will be stepping in for Ramon Taveras, who had to pull out due to injury. Caolan Loughran is from Ireland, so this fight will also be in his neck of the woods. His record is 9-1, with his loss coming in his UFC debut to Taylor Lapilus.
Loughran will have the grappling advantage over Hadley, especially since Hadley has not prepared for a wrestler. Loughran averages 2.50 takedowns landed per 15 minute, but he’ll need to be wary of Hadley's submissions. Hadley has five wins via submission, including a triangle choke in his second UFC fight. The best bet for Loughran is to strike with Hadley, a natural flyweight and smaller guy. Loughran will have a physicality and power advantage over Hadley and that should come into play on the feet.
Bet: Caolan Loughran To Win by KO/TKO/DQ (+400)
Molly McCann (-340) vs. Bruna Brasil (+270)
Molly McCann is a fan-favorite in England and never disappoints. "Meatball" always puts on a show, especially in England. She has a perfect opponent for an entertaining finish in Bruna Brasil. Brasil only lands 2.94 significant strikes and absorbs 3.92 significant strikes per minute. McCann lands and absorbs at a ratio of 5.79 to 4.94 significant strikes per minute. McCann has a slight grappling advantage due to her strength and power, but she may be better off keeping this fight on her feet.
Brasil is not as active as she should be when striking, and McCann can take advantage of that. She will pressure Brasil and keep her on her back foot, which tires a fighter out quickly. McCann also has power in the strawweight division and has finished two fights via knockout in the UFC. The opponent and stage of this fight align perfectly for a "Meatball" knockout.
Bet: Molly McCann To Win by KO/TKO/DQ (+200)
