Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop prediction, picks, start time for UFC 309

On By Littum

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Mauricio Ruffy and James Llontop meet on Saturday in the UFC 309 main card at Madison Square Garden in New York. Check out this quick review of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.

Last Event: 4-1

UFC Main Card, 2024: 95-89-3

Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop UFC 309 preview

This fight takes on a slightly different look after Llontop (14-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC) missed the 165-pound catchweight limit, while Ruffy (10-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) came in just under the limit. Both men are early in their UFC tenures after earning contracts through Dana White’s Contender Series through 2023. … Ruffy won his promotional debut last May with a TKO of Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 301. … Llontop is in meanwhile still searching for his first UFC win after dropping his first two appearances.

Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop UFC 309 Expert Picks, Prediction

Despite guaranteeing action between reliable veterans like Jim Miller and Damon Jackson in the lead-up, UFC matchmakers decided to kick off the pay-per-view portion of the card with an impromptu catchweight bout between Mauricio Ruffy and (autotag)James Llontop(/ autotask).

In the matchmakers’ defense, Luffy – who is a great prospect to feature – was originally supposed to face Serra-Long product Charlie Campbell. But when the match fell through, Llontop was the one brought in at short notice.

Llontop is a tough Peruvian on the way, but I believe the 25-year-old will be outclassed in the size and skill department.

Add in the fact that Llontop struggled at weight en route to missing the catchweight limit, and it’s hard not to favor the Fighting Nerds representative in Luffy to style in this spot.

Llontop looks incredibly durable, but I suspect Luffy will force a stop via strikes at the beginning of round 3.

Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop UFC 309 odds

Oddsmakers and the public are heavily in favor of the Brazilian fighter, listing Ruffy (-850) and Llontop (+540) via FanDuel.

Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop UFC 309 start time, how to watch

As the main card opener, Luffy and Llontop are expected to go to the cage at approximately 10:15 PM ET. The fight will flow on ESPN+.

For more on the card, visit the MMA Junkies event hub for UFC 309.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop prediction, picks, start time for UFC 309