UFC 309 hit with two last minute changes today - see the updated card

UFC.com

As UFC 309 approaches on November 16, 2024, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the fight card has undergone two notable adjustments. The changes affects both the main and preliminary bouts.

Preliminary Card

Lucas Almeida has withdrawn from his scheduled featherweight bout against David Onama due to medical issues. Stepping in on short notice is Roberto "El Charro Negro" Romero, a 24-year-old fighter with an 8-3-1 record. Romero has showcased his skills in Combate Global, securing six wins out of eight fights, including a recent first-round submission victory over Takahiro Ashida in July. Given the last-minute nature of this change, the fight will proceed at a catchweight of 155 pounds instead of the originally planned 145 pounds.

Prediction: Onama’s experience and readiness at 155 pounds may give him an edge, especially in striking exchanges. Look for Onama to win by decision or a late-round TKO.

Main Card

The lightweight bout between Mauricio Ruffy and James Llontop has been modified to a catchweight contest at 165 pounds. The promotion has not disclosed specific reasons for this change.

Prediction: With the extra weight potentially favoring Ruffy’s power advantage, we might see him press forward with striking pressure. Llontop’s versatility could keep it competitive, but Ruffy by TKO in the second round seems likely.

Revised UFC 309 Fight Card:

Main Card (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)

• Heavyweight Title Bout: Champion Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic

• Lightweight Bout: Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira

• Middleweight Bout: Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig

• Women's Flyweight Bout: Viviane Araujo vs. Karine Silva

• Catchweight (165 lbs) Bout: Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop

Preliminary Card (ESPNews/FX/Hulu, 8 p.m. ET)

• Bantamweight Bout: Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee

• Middleweight Bout: Eryk Anders vs. Chris Weidman

• Lightweight Bout: Damon Jackson vs. Jim Miller

• Lightweight Bout: David Onama vs. Roberto Romero

Early Preliminary Card (Hulu/ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)

• Heavyweight Bout: Marcin Tybura vs. Jhonata Diniz

• Welterweight Bout: Mickey Gall vs. Ramiz Brahimaj

• Welterweight Bout: Bassil Hafez vs. Oban Elliott

• Women's Flyweight Bout: Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura

  
  

While the changes bring some unexpected twists to the event, the event still looks promising, with a night of solid matchups and competition.

Also take a minute to review our full predictions for the remaining card by following this link.