UFC 302 Preview and Predictions By Brett Cagle
(c.) Islam Makhachev (25-1) vs. No. 4 Dustin Poirier (30-8)
In the main event of UFC 302, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev returns to face fan-favorite veteran Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier. Makhachev is the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world and trains at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California. Here, Makhachev is taught by coaches Javier Mendez and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Poirier just knocked out surging French contender Benoit Saint-Denis, earning him this title opportunity. Currently, online sportsbooks have Poirier as a massive betting underdog (+375).
Makhachev is among the most talented grapplers on the UFC roster and will have a significant advantage on the ground. Poirier has been submitted by Charles Oliviera and Makhachev’s coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in title fights. Poirier will have a “puncher's chance” of over 25 minutes if the contest stays standing.
Prediction: Islam Makhachev by Submission
No. 1 Sean Strickland (28-6) vs. No. 7 Paulo Costa (14-3)
In the co-main event, middleweight contenders Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa go to battle with a potential shot at the 185-pound title. Strickland lost the title in a highly competitive split decision to Dricus Du Plessis. Costa is a powerful athlete who is extremely dangerous in the early rounds. This fight is scheduled for five rounds, which favors Strickland. With some of the best cardio in the UFC, Strickland gets better as the fight goes on. Costa has sometimes struggled with his gas tank and must be in tremendous shape to go 25 minutes with the former champion.
I do not see this matchup going to the ground. The story of this fight will be the volume and cardio of Strickland against the power and creativity of Paulo Costa. Strickland is a (-260) betting favorite at online sportsbooks. If Strickland can get through the first two rounds, he will cruise to a victory on the judges' scorecards.
Prediction: Sean Strickland by Decision
Randy Brown (18-5) vs Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos (24-7-1)
A compelling welterweight contest on the main card will determine a new ranked challenger at 170 pounds. Randy Brown has won six of his last seven fights and has always possessed massive potential for the weight class. Brazilian knockout artist Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos holds impressive wins over Sean Strickland and Benoit Saint-Denis. Last time out, Dos Santos fought to a draw with Russian powerhouse Rinat Fakhredinov (22-1-1).
This is my pick for the fight of the night. The length of Brown, at 6-foot-3, will play an advantage if he stays on the outside. Dos Santos is a dangerous striker who can knock out anyone in the division if he catches them clean. Brown’s lone loss over this stretch was to Jack Della Maddalena, a top-five-ranked fighter.
Prediction: Randy Brown by Decision