Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier prediction and betting tips - June 2, 2024
Islam Makhachev
Dustin Poirier
On June 2, 2024, UFC 302 will take place in Newark, USA. In the main event of the evening, the current lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev from Russia, will face the former interim titleholder and former title contender, Dustin Poirier from the USA. The fight will start no earlier than 05:00 Central European Time. Experts from Dailysports have made predictions for this fight.
Islam Makhachev
Makhachev has been competing in the UFC since 2015. His start was not the most successful — after winning his debut fight against Leo Kuntz, he suffered a knockout loss to Adriano Martins. However, since then, Islam has not faltered and currently has a 13-fight winning streak.
In October 2022, he got a title shot and defeated Brazilian Charles Oliveira with an impressive submission in the second round. In 2023, Makhachev successfully defended his title twice, defeating Australia's featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski — first by split decision and then, on short notice, by knockout in the first round.
Dustin Poirier
Dustin Poirier has been competing in the UFC since 2011 and has fought a variety of opponents. Among them were Max Holloway (twice), Jim Miller, Eddie Alvarez (twice), Justin Gaethje (twice), Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, and Michael Chandler. He also fought Conor McGregor three times and won the last two fights.
Poirier was an interim champion and twice contended for the main title, but both times he lost by rear-naked choke — first to Nurmagomedov and then to Oliveira. In 2024, he has already had one fight, ending the winning streak of French prospect Benoit Saint-Denis by technical knockout in the second round.
Makhachev vs Poirier Records
- Islam Makhachev — Russia, 32 years old. MMA record: 25 wins (5 by knockout / 11 by submission / 9 by decision) and 1 loss (by knockout). UFC ranking (lightweight): reigning champion.
- Dustin Poirier — USA, 35 years old. MMA record: 30 wins (15 by knockout / 8 by submission / 7 by decision), 8 losses (3 by knockout / 3 by submission / 2 by decision), and 1 no-contest. UFC ranking (lightweight): #4.
Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier Prediction
Poirier remains a top fighter, but facing Makhachev will be incredibly challenging for him. Any result other than a win for Makhachev would be considered a significant upset. This is reflected in the betting odds. I believe the Russian will defend his title, but I will bet on the total being over 2.5 rounds.
