Watch UFC 312: Makhachev vs Oliveira 3 — Prelims Free.

What's at Stake

The UFC 312 preliminary card serves as a critical proving ground for rising contenders aiming to secure a spot in the top 15 rankings across multiple divisions. With the lightweight title on the line in the main event, these bouts offer fighters a platform to position themselves as future challengers in a high-stakes environment. Success here often dictates who will transition from prospect status to the main card of major pay-per-view events later in the year.

Head-to-Head

The preliminary matchups feature a blend of seasoned veterans looking to defend their positions and surging newcomers riding multi-fight win streaks. Recent history across these weight classes has favored high-volume strikers and versatile grapplers who can maintain a relentless pace over three rounds. Momentum is a key factor, as several featured athletes are coming off dominant performances or "Performance of the Night" bonuses in their most recent outings.

Key Players to Watch

• Jack Della Maddalena — A clinical striker whose boxing-heavy approach has made him a standout threat in the welterweight division.
• Erin Blanchfield — A grappling specialist known for her suffocating top control and relentless pursuit of submissions.
• Manon Fiorot — A powerful kickboxer with exceptional takedown defense who looks to solidify her status as a top-tier contender.

Prediction

Expect a night defined by tactical striking and high-level defensive wrestling as fighters look to avoid costly mistakes on such a massive stage. The more experienced grapplers are likely to dictate the pace of these three-round bouts, securing unanimous decision victories through superior cage control. Ultimately, the athletes with the highest output and championship-level conditioning will emerge victorious to move closer to the title picture.