UFC 302 is a massive PPV event this Saturday on ESPN+ from Newark, New Jersey. In the Main Event, Russian phenom Islam Makhachev faces seasoned veteran and former Interim Champion Dustin Poirier. Makhachev has not fought since October of last year when he knocked out former Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski with a head kick. Currently ranked as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Makhachev has only tasted defeat once in his career. Poirier had a statement win over surging French prospect Benoit Saint-Denis last time out, earning him a title opportunity this weekend.
In the Co-Main event, former UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland takes on Brazilian powerhouse Paulo “The Eraser” Costa. In his last contest, Strickland lost the title to Dricus Du Plessis in a highly competitive five-round war. If victorious this weekend the winner of this Co-Main event matchup could find themselves fighting for gold at 185 pounds.
Also on the UFC 302 main card, athletic Welterweight Randy Brown and knockout artist Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos battle in a fight that will determine a new ranked contender at 170 pounds.
(C) Islam Makhachev (25-1) vs. #4 Dustin Poirier (30-8)
The UFC 302 Main Event is a historic meeting between one of the most talented fighters in the sport Islam Makhachev and fan-favorite finisher Dustin Poirier. Makhachev trains at the American Kickboxing Academy under the tutelage of coaches Khabib Nurmagomedov and Javier Mendez. Makhachev routinely spars against some of the best fighters in the world including Bellator Lightweight Champion Usman Nurmagomedov. Poirier is a dangerous fighter who possesses one of the best resumes in MMA history. Over his career, Poirier has defeated quality opponents including Connor McGregor (2X), Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, and Benoit Saint-Denis. Currently, online sportsbooks have Makhachev as a massive betting favorite (-650).
On the feet, Poirier will have a power advantage in his hands. Also, the only man to defeat Makhachev was fellow southpaw Adriano Martins. In Islam’s only loss, Martins was able to catch the future champion with a short right hook, Poirier’s best punch. On the ground, Makhachev is one of the most dominant fighters we’ve seen. When Makhachev captured the title he submitted Charles Oliveira, who holds the record for most submission victories in UFC history. Makhachev is an elite competitor who has shown no signs of slowing down.
Prediction: Islam Makhachev by Submission
Sean Strickland (28-6) vs. Paulo Costa (14-3)
A title eliminator at 185 pounds will serve as an exciting Co-Main event. Former Champion Sean Strickland is making his first appearance in the cage since losing his title. Strickland has one of the best gas tanks in the promotion but will have to survive the early onslaught from heavy-handed contender Paulo Costa. Inconsistency has been the biggest problem for Costa in his career so far. In his last fight, Costa let former champion Robert Whittaker climb back into a contest that Costa was far ahead in. Costa knocked down Whittaker with a spinning kick in round one, but let the seasoned veteran win the next two rounds. Currently, online sportsbooks have Strickland as a betting favorite (-235).
I do not see this fight going to the ground at all. The story of this matchup is the volume and cardio of Strickland against the powerful and creative striking of Costa. Strickland has been knocked out by two Brazilian fighters in the past, Alex Pereira and Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos. If Strickland can survive the first two rounds, he could cruise to a decision victory.
Prediction: Sean Strickland by Decision
Randy Brown (18-5) vs. Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos (24-7-1)
A compelling Welterweight matchup is sure to entertain fight fans to open the UFC 302 Main Card. Randy Brown is 6’3 at 170 pounds and observers of the sport have seen his massive potential for many years. After a disappointing loss to Jack Della Maddalena, Brown has rebounded nicely with back-to-back wins. Including the loss to Della Maddalena, Brown has won six of his last seven fights. Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos is a dangerous competitor who sent former champion Sean Strickland to the Middleweight division. knocking him out with a spinning wheel kick. Last time out, Dos Santos took on Russian hammer Rinat Fakhredinov (21-1-1) and fought the rising prospect to a draw. No one else in the division wanted to face Fakhredinov, but Dos Santos won the fight according to many media members’ scorecards.
On the feet, Dos Santos holds 14 wins by knockout but Brown will have a five-inch reach advantage. Brown is an expert at range, using leg kicks and a well-timed jab to frustrate opponents from the outside. This is my pick for the fight of the night.
Prediction: Randy Brown by Decision
UFC 302 Prelims:
The UFC 302 prelims are filled with rising prospects and interesting fights. Undefeated former professional kickboxer Cesar Almeida (5-0) takes on fellow striker Roman Kopylov (12-3). Almeida is 36 years old and is a tremendous threat on the feet. Kopylov has struggled on the ground at times but is a very athletic and coordinated fighter. Kopylov will have more mixed martial arts experience but may play into Almeida’s game if he keeps the fight standing.
Also on the UFC 302 prelims, former ranked contender Grant Dawson (20-2) will try and put an embarrassing loss to Bobby Green behind him when he fights Joe Solecki (13-4) this weekend. Both of these competitors are talented grapplers which means this fight may take place on the feet. Dawson was just knocked out in under a minute and needs to put together a better performance this time around.
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