UFC 302 is set to take place on Sunday the 2nd of June (South African time) at the Prudential Center in New Jersey, America and we will look at the main event between Makhachev and Poirier as well as 2 other fights on the card from a betting point of view.
Click here to bet on the full fight card
ISLAM MAKHACHEV vs DUSTIN POIRIER
Lightweight Title Fight:
Islam Makhachev is a Russian grappler with more than 9 years of UFC experience behind him, he has been in insane form since he started fighting professionally and he has won 14 out of his 15 fights, including 3 title fights. His most recent fight was against Alexander Volkanovski where he won by KO in round 1 at UFC 294.
He will enter this fight as the favourite due to his impressive form and the fact that he currently holds the division belt.
Dustin Poirier is an American fighter who is known striker who joined the UFC in 2011, he has had a few losses in his career, but he has won majority of his fights, currently sitting with 23 wins and 7 losses. His most recent fight was against Benoit Saint Denis where he won by TKO in round 2, proving he is nowhere near the end of his career.
He will enter the fight with the betting odds stacked against him due mainly to the quality of his opponent.
Betting – click here to bet
Makhachev 2/11
Poirier 15/4
PREDICTION:
I believe that Makhachev is a worthy favourite and will win this fight by submission in round 3.
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SEAN STRICKLAND vs PAULO COSTA
Middleweight Co-Main Event:
Sean Strickland is an American fighter who is known for his effective striking and stamina. He has been fighting professionally for more than a decade and he has created a decent fight record for himself over the years, winning 15 and losing 6 of his fights in the UFC. His last fight was against Dricus Du Plessis where he lost the title, he held by decision at UFC 297.
He will enter the octagon as the favourite int the betting markets this weekend.
Paulo Costa is a Brazilian fighter who packs a powerful punch and great stamina, he made his UFC debut in 2017 but he has not fought much since then. He currently has 9 fights to his name, and he has won 6 and lost 3, with his most recent fight being a decision loss to Robert Whittaker in February this year at UFC 298.
He has been named the underdog in the build up to this fight due to his relatively poor form as of late and the fact that he has had much less fight time than Strickland.
BETTING – click here to bet
Strickland 4/10
Costa 39/20
PREDICTION:
I predict Costa will stun Strickland early on and beat him by TKO in round 2.
KEVIN HOLLAND vs MICHAL OLEKSIEJCZUK
Middleweight Fight:
Kevin Holland is an American fighter who possesses a well-balanced fighting style, he has had plenty of UFC experience, but he hasn’t been on the best form as of late. His most recent fight was against Michael Page where he lost by decision.
He will enter this fight as the favourite due to being the more experienced fighter.
Michal Oleksiejczuk, fighting out of Poland is also known as a well-balanced fighter, he has been in the UFC since 2017 and he has been on both the winning and losing side of things multiple times. His most recent fight took place in March where he lost to Michel Pereira by submission in round 1.
He will have the betting odds stacked against him on this occasion due to his overall form and his most recent loss.
BETTING – click here to bet
Holland 1/3
Oleksiejczuk 22/10
PREDICTION:
I believe this fight will go to decision with Holland picking up the victory.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Makhachev vs Poirier
Makhachev by submission at 1/1
Strickland vs Costa
Costa by KO at 7/2
Holland vs Oleksiejczuk
Holland by decision at 3/1
Note: Prices correct at time of writing but subject to change.
