UFC 302 Expert Predictions

After a lackluster UFC 301 card, UFC 302 is set to deliver a fantastic night of fight. The UFC 302 odds are wider than most, making it easy to say who is favorite in UFC 302. However, in a sport like MMA, anything can happen, and nothing can be taken for granted when making UFC 302 predictions. 

UFC 302 Fight Card

UFC 302 features some exhilarating matchups, and there is no doubt who is headlining the UFC 302. 

Where Will UFC 302 Be Held?

UFC 302 will be held at the Prudential Center in New Jersey, United States of America. The fights are scheduled to take place o June 1st, with the main card getting underway at 10PM EST. There is no better time than the present to lock in your UFC 302 predictions, as there is no guarantee these odds will still be available when the fight card rolls around. 

UFC 302 Odds

Makhachev vs Poirier Predictions

Islam Makhachev will look to defend his Lightweight championship belt against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. While there is plenty of upside in backing Poirier, for my UFC 302 predictions I have no choice but to side with Islam Makhachev. Makhachev is a dominant wrestler with a solid stand up game, which makes him a tough matchup for anyone in the promotion. Poirier still has the capability of hurting Makhachev on the feet, but if he accepts bottom position on the ground this fight will be over quickly. Makhachev is the champion for a reason, and the UFC 302 odds accurately reflect the gulf in class between these two fighters. Unless this is the time Poirier can finally land a guillotine, it will be Makhachev that gets his hand raised to a chorus of boos in New Jersey. 

Who Is Favorite in UFC 302?

The clear favorite for UFC 302 is Islam Makhachev. His -500 odds ensure he will remain the favorite when the fight takes place, as his dominant wrestling and solid win streak has him perched atop the Lightweight division. 

Islam Makhachev: Recent Performances and Form

Islam Makhachev will be putting his 13 fight win streak on the line on June 1st, having not lost since October 2015. His most recent wins have been three straight Lightweight titles, beating Charles Oliveira before securing back-to-back wins against Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev has a wide variety of wins on his resume, with his 25 professional victories split with 11 submissions, 9 decisions, and 5 knockouts. Many thought he may have been handed a fortunate decision win against Volkanovski, but he silenced the doubters with a vicious head kick knockout over Volkanovski late last year. His hot streak has him as the clear favorite in the UFC 302 odds, and it would be no surprise if he is to extend his win streak to 14 straight victories. 

Islam Makhachev Fighting Style

Islam Makhachev has a fighting style that is very popular among the Russian born fighters. The Dagestani province has already pumped out several UFC champions, and Makhachev will look to continue the province’s immaculate record. Like many Dagestani born fighters, Makhachev employs a suffocating wrestling style to keep his opponents on the back foot. Makhachev will happily grind out dozens of takedown attempts to get his opponent to the mat. Once on the ground, Makhachev has a lethal submission game that puts an exclamation mark on his dominating wins. His ability is not only to control the fight, but push for a finish. This allowed  him to be one of the division’s top fighters over his UFC tenure. While he certainly has an edge over almost everyone on the ground, his striking isn’t too far behind. He demonstrated he is still a threat on the feet against Alexander Volkanovski, after landing that brutal head kick. 

Dustin Poirier: Recent Performances and Form

Dustin Poirier is a former Interim Lightweight champion, having beat Max Holloway in 2019 to secure his belt. He subsequently lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov later that year, and has one final chance to secure the undisputed UFC gold in the twilight of his career. Poirier vaulted to superstar status after beating Conor McGregor not once, but twice in 2021. He was unable to recreate those historic performances, and has since alternated wins and losses heading into his fight against Makhachev. Most recently, Poirier knocked out Benoit Saint Denis as a +175 underdog, securing this title shot in the process. Prior to that, Poirier was knocked out by Justin Gaethje for the ‘BMF’ title in July 2023. Poirier is now 35 years old, and considering the damage he accumulated throughout his illustrious career, this is almost certainly his final opportunity to secure an undisputed title. Poirier may be the underdog, but there is no question about who is headlining the UFC 302, as Poirier is a solid name for a PPV card. 

Dustin Poirier Fighting Style

Dustin Poirier has a well rounded style, as he is capable of standing and trading, but has solid defensive wrestling to keep the fight upright. Despite this, there is no doubt what Poirier’s game plan will be at UFC 302. Makhachev is an animal on the ground, and Poirier will need to keep this fight standing for as long as possible to not only rack up points, but hunt for the knockout blow. His 72 inch reach while standing at just 5 feet 9 inches ensures he usually has a reach advantage on the feet at Lightweight. He is able to control the fight with crisp jabs, and a punishing right hook is always cocked and ready to fire when the opportunity presents itself. His footwork will be tested against Makhachev, and the American fighter will have the home crowd urging him to get back on his feet if he finds himself on his back. Poirier has gotten himself into trouble by hunting for the guillotine in recent fights, and while he is desperate to secure a submission with it, it often leaves him vulnerable if he is unable to get the tap. 

Where to Make Free UFC 302 Predictions?

Sportzino.com is far and away the best place to make your free UFC predictions for a tantalizing UFC 302 fight card.