Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier Predictions

Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips for UFC 302: Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier

Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
When: Sunday, June 2, 04:00 AM

The UFC lightweight title is at stake as Islam Makhachev comes to Newark to defend it against the fan favorite, Dustin Poirier. Islam is the reigning champion, and he has two successful defenses under his belt, both against Alexander Volkanovski. Meanwhile, Poirier has one more chance to reach the title, probably the last one, and he doesn’t have any room for mistakes.

Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier Preview

Islam Makhachev

The Russian fighter has 25 wins and one KO. Needles to say, he is the most dominant wrestler in the division, and maybe in the entire organization, with a relentless approach on the mat and an incredible cardio, which goes beyond imagination.

His previous two wins were against Alexander Volkanovski, one via close unanimous decision and the other via KO, but Volk stepped in on short notice then. Makhachev won the title against Charles Oliveira, whom he brutally submitted in the second round at the UFC 280.

Eleven of his 25 triumphs were after a submission, five via KO, and nine following a decision. For many, Islam is the turbo version of Khabib, only with a better stand-up and much more powerful boxing.

Dustin Poirier

The Diamond is one of the UFC legends, and as such, the organization decided that it’s appropriate for him to have one last shot at the belt. We don’t need to say how much publicity Poirier generates, which was an additional reason to see him in the title fight.

The loss to Justin Gaethje definitely harmed his reputation, yet the American managed to bounce back with a strong victory over Benoit Saint-Denis, whom he KOd at the UFC 299. By the way, Dustin has 30 wins, eight losses, and one no-contest.

He is a black belt jiu-jitsu, yet as time goes by, he isn’t as dominant on the ground as before. Poirier is massive for the lightweight division, often being above the weight limit following the weigh-in, and he creates a lot of damage with his ferocious punches.

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Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier Predictions

Islam’s cardio is certainly better than Poirier’s, but the only question is whether the American manages to hurt Makhachev early on and shake him. In our opinion, that’s unlikely because Islam always has a very good game plan and is highly disciplined in this area, stubbornly holding to the deal no matter the cost. After all, that’s one of the main reasons he is a champion.

Our verdict: Islam Makhachev wins