Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier is the UFC Lightweight Championship fight that will serve as the main event of UFC 302, which will take place at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Who’s gonna win the fight?
The Makhachev vs. Poirier odds suggest it’s gonna be the defending champ. What do we think? Keep reading this UFC 302 main event prediction to find out!
Before Betting on Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier UFC 302 Fight
Dustin Poirier (30-8-1) is a former UFC Lightweight interim champion who fought for the title against legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2019. The undefeated Dagestani fighter beat him by submission.
Five years later, Poirier is given another shot at the title. This time, he’s fighting another Dagestani fighter, Khabib’s protégé, Islam Makhachev (25-1).
Both fighters are very well-rounded, with Poirier’s specialty being striking, while Makhachev’s strongest weapon is ground game.
The reigning champion is famous for being tough as nails, the evidence being that he’s suffered only one loss by KO/TKO in his entire career. Truth be told, he hasn’t fought against such a prolific striker as Poirier in the past.
The Diamond has a knockout-to-win rate of 50%, and Makhachev has only fought one opponent who’s got a higher number (Drew Dober with 51.58%).
Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier UFC 302 Offshore Odds & Pick
| Offshore Sportsbook | Islam Makhachev | Dustin Poirier |
| BetOnline | -550 | +400 |
| MyBookie | -549 | +370 |
| BetUS | -550 | +375 |
| SportsBetting.ag | -550 | +400 |
| XBet | -549 | +370 |
Not trying to undermine Makhachev’s success, but the fact is that two of his three title fights took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where the crowd was on his side. He also fought once in Perth against Alex Volkanovski who’s a natural featherweight and won by a controversial decision.
On June 1, he’s fighting against an American fighter in New Jersey. Not only that, but Dustin Poirier is bigger, stronger, and way more skillful when it comes to striking than most of Makhachev’s previous opponents.
Pick: Dustin Poirier (+400)
