UFC 302 takes place in New Jersey this weekend and features a stacked card. Headlined by Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier, UFC 302 promises to deliver a night of unrelenting action. Here’s all you need to know about the event.
How to watch UFC 302
Where: Prudential Center, New Jersey
When: Saturday June 1st | Early prelims 6:15 PM EST, Prelims 8PM EST, Main card 10PM EST
How: ESPN+
UFC 302 Main card Betting Odds
Dustin Poirier +475 vs Islam Makhachev -650
Sean Strickland -238 vs Paulo Costa +180
Kevin Holland -285 vs Michal Oleksiejczuk +230
Jailton Almeida -290 vs Alexandr Romanov +235
Randy Brown -180 vs Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos +150
Dustin Poirier vs Islam Makhachev
As far as main events go, this feels pretty lopsided. Poirier is a savvy veteran who won his last eight against Benoit Saint Denis, but he’s going up against Makhachev, who brings a 25-1-0 record to the table along with the Lightweight championship. His dominant knockout win last time out will be fresh in the memory of many, with the Russian flaunting the same venom as mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Poirier has his work cut out for him here and this isn’t a matchup that favors his style. If Makhachev dictates the tempo and can unleash his grappling prowess, it’s hard to see Poirier having the stamina to endure the deep holds without opening himself up to more damage when trying to strike.
Makhachev should defend his title pretty easily here.
Sean Strickland vs Paulo Costa
Sean Strickland went 5 rounds deep in his last fight which ended in a loss but came up with a stunning win over Israel Adesanya in the bout beforehand. However, losing that title against Du Plessis might have lit a fire in his stomach, and it’s one that will be needed to combat a real brawler in Costa.
Costa has been working on his striking through camp in order to try and negate some of Strickland’s biggest strengths. This could well be an all-out war that goes the distance and if it does, I actually like Costa’s chances. He knows Strickland is going to come out swinging and if he can just hang in long enough and save his best for last, he has every chance of pouncing at the end.
Kevin Holland vs Michal Oleksiejczuk
Oleksiejczuk has a 19-7-0 record, but going up against Kevin Holland, who has a significant reach advantage could be a difficult task.
Holland will need to approach this fight patiently, but should have the advantage throughout. According to Shakiel Mahjouri of CBS Sports, 5 of ‘Oleksiejczuk’s 7 losses have come from submissions. If Holland can wear down his opponent and avoid the lure of going for the knockout, a later-round submission could be the key to victory.
Best UFC 302 betting promos:
STATES: AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV. 21 and present in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. 21 . Physically present in participating state. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. Deposit minimums apply.
Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire
