Main Event: Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier
In a highly anticipated lightweight championship title fight, UFC 302 will see Islam Makhachev defend his title against the seasoned veteran Dustin Poirier. Scheduled to take place in Newark, this bout marks Makhachev’s first title defense against a ranked lightweight contender.
Makhachev’s Dominance
Makhachev (25-1, 14-1 UFC) has been on an extraordinary run, holding a 13-fight win streak in the UFC. His impressive grappling skills and tactical acumen have made him one of the most dominant forces in the lightweight division. With a victory at UFC 302, Makhachev aims to secure the longest win streak in the promotion’s lightweight history, further cementing his legacy. Since capturing the title by submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC 280, Makhachev has successfully defended his belt twice against Alexander Volkanovski.
Poirier’s Quest for Gold
Dustin Poirier (30-8, 1 NC, 22-7, 1 NC UFC) is no stranger to title fights. The former interim champion has faced the best in the division but has yet to capture the undisputed title. Poirier’s striking and resilience were on full display in his recent knockout victory over rising contender Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 298. Despite being 2-2 in his last four fights, Poirier’s knockout power and experience make him a formidable challenger.
Betting Odds
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Makhachev is favored in this bout with a total of 4.5 rounds (Over -176/Under +138). Poirier will have the support of many fans, but Makhachev’s superior grappling and strategic approach make him the favorite to retain his title.
Co-Main Event: Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa
The co-main event features a thrilling middleweight clash between former champion Sean Strickland and Brazilian powerhouse Paulo Costa.
Strickland’s Rise
Sean Strickland returns to the octagon for the first time since losing the 185lb title. Known for his striking and durability, Strickland’s previous victory over Israel Adesanya shocked the MMA world. A win against Costa would put Strickland back in the title picture, potentially setting up a rematch with the winner of the upcoming Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya fight.
Costa’s Comeback
Paulo Costa, renowned for his knockout power and aggressive style, is looking to bounce back after recent setbacks. A win over Strickland would reestablish Costa as a top contender in the middleweight division and open the door to future title opportunities.
Other Notable Fights
UFC 302’s main card also features several intriguing matchups:
* Kevin Holland vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk: An exciting middleweight bout that promises fireworks.
* Jailton Almeida vs. Alexander Romanov: Heavyweights clash in what is expected to be a hard-hitting encounter.
Prediction
In the co-main event, I predict that Sean Strickland will easily win against Paulo Costa. Strickland dominated Israel Adesanya, and many believe he was robbed in his first title defense against Dricus Du Plessis. Meanwhile, Costa has lost three out of his last four bouts, with his lone win coming against a washed Luke Rockhold. Strickland’s superior striking and durability will lead him to victory by decision.
In the main event, conventional wisdom strongly favors Islam Makhachev to win this fight. He has dominated top-tier opponents, including Charles Oliveira, who submitted Poirier. Makhachev has also convincingly defeated Alexander Volkanovski twice, showing his all-around skills and championship pedigree.
Despite these facts, I am picking Dustin Poirier to pull off the upset. Poirier has been hinting at retirement, and with his recent sharp performances, this might be his last fight. He has shown tremendous resilience and striking prowess in his last couple of bouts. I expect Poirier to shock the world and secure a victory by TKO in the later rounds, leaving a lasting mark on his storied career.
Prediction: Sean Strickland by Decision // Dustin Poirier by TKO
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