Charles Oliveira’s fighting career began in the favelas of Brazil, like many great jiu-jitsu masters before him. After winning multiple Brazilian national titles, Oliveira caught the attention of the UFC, where he won his first UFC fight via submission at the age of 20.

Since then, Oliveira’s career has taken off like a rocket ship. With a fighting record of 34-9, the most finishes in UFC history, as well as the most bonuses ever awarded to a fighter, Charles earned the UFC Lightweight title in 2021.

As a Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter, Charles has perfected the art of submission, and has racked up 16 submission wins during his career—another UFC record.

After losing the Lightweight title to Islam Makhachev in 2022, there’s no doubt that Oliveira has his eye on the belt.

At UFC 300, Oliveira will take on Arman Tsarukyan, and the winner could be the next challenger for the title.

Given his background as an NCAA Division 1 All-American wrestler, you might expect Lightweight Justin Gaethje to lean heavily on grappling in his MMA fighting style.

However, Gaethje built a reputation as one of the most exciting and entertaining fighters in the UFC. Instead of relying on his wrestling background, Gaethje is a striker who dazzles crowds by turning up the pressure on opponents.

But after a few tough losses via submission earlier in his career, Gaethje has shifted his goals in the UFC. Instead of being the most “exciting performer”, Gaethje is all-in on earning a UFC Lightweight title belt of his own.

Gaethje will have the chance to move a step closer to the belt during his UFC 300 matchup against Max Holloway, currently #2 in the Featherweight division.

If Gaethje takes the victory at UFC 300, there is a legitimate chance at a title fight in his future.

Of course, that is easier said than done—only two fighters have ever defeated Holloway.

Raised on Long Island, New York, Aljamain Sterling discovered that he was a natural wrestler in high school. He continued competing in college where he earned an 87-27 record as a NCAA Division III All-American.

After college, Sterling set his sights on MMA, went pro with the UFC, and earned the UFC Bantamweight title in 2021.

Since relinquishing the Bantamweight belt to Sean O’Malley in 2023, Sterling has moved up to the Featherweight class. In fact, Sterling’s UFC 300 match against Calvin Kattar will be his first as a Featherweight.

With a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Sterling uses his opponents’ bodyweight against them in grappling moves. And as a new Featherweight, Sterling will have to take care to protect himself against opponent Calvin Kattar’s strikes.

But if anyone is up for tough a challenge, it’s Sterling.

Right now, I’m in the gym at least twice a day, with some physical therapy and strength and conditioning training mixed in. I’m mostly focusing on cage work – like cage control and distance management – specific to my opponent.

Killshot by Eminem. I like to play it earlier in the day, and during my backstage warmup right before the fight.

I also like to watch motivational videos from some of the greatest athletes of all time. They help me get in the mindset to compete.

Another step on the way to greatness… Cementing my legacy, and establishing myself in a new division.