For those who believe that betting odds can provide insight into the outcome of a big title fight, the lead-up to UFC 302 has been quite intriguing.
When Dana White revealed that Islam Makhachev would be defending his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier in Newark, New Jersey this Saturday night, oddsmakers initially favored Makhachev as the -470 favorite, with Poirier opening as a +350 underdog.
However, despite Poirier’s recent underdog victory and loyal fan base, the odds have shifted drastically. Makhachev is now a -650 favorite at BetMGM, while Poirier sits at around 5-1 odds, indicating that the majority of bettors are backing the champion.
But as we approach UFC 302 fight week, the matchup between Makhachev and Poirier has entered “shock-the-world” territory. Can Poirier, known for his veteran savvy, pull off another upset and dethrone the reigning champion?
Here’s a closer look at what the pay-per-view portion of UFC 302 has in store for fans this weekend:
Randy Brown vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos
Randy Brown, a promising welterweight, will face Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, a seasoned fighter with wins over notable opponents. Both fighters are looking to prove their worth in a competitive division and secure a brighter future in the UFC.
Jailton Almeida vs. Alexander Romanov
Brazilian heavyweight Jailton Almeida, known for his grappling skills, will take on Alexander Romanov, a powerful fighter looking to bounce back from recent losses. Both fighters have potential in the wide-open heavyweight division and aim to showcase their abilities in this matchup.
Kevin Holland vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
Kevin Holland, an unpredictable fighter, faces Michal Oleksiejczuk, a former light heavyweight with knockout power. Holland looks to rebound from two consecutive losses, while Oleksiejczuk aims for consistency in the UFC. The outcome of this fight could determine the future trajectory of both fighters in the middleweight division.
Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa
Sean Strickland, a polarizing figure in the middleweight division, will square off against Paulo Costa, a powerful striker known for his knockout ability. Strickland seeks to reclaim relevance in the division, while Costa looks to solidify his status as a title contender. This matchup has the potential to shake up the middleweight rankings and set the stage for future title opportunities.
Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier
In the highly anticipated main event, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will face off against fan-favorite Dustin Poirier. Makhachev, looking to solidify his reign as champion, will be challenged by Poirier, who aims to capture his first undisputed UFC title. With compelling storylines on both sides, this title fight promises to deliver excitement and intrigue as two talented fighters vie for supremacy in the octagon.