UFC 302 will happen soon. The title fight between lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and top contender Dustin Poirier is the main event. The UFC lightweight division is in an interesting state, as we covered previously. However, there are other interesting fights to discuss. Without further ado, here is our preview of UFC 302.
UFC 302 Preview: Kevin Holland vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
In the featured bout, Kevin Holland faces Michal Oleksiejczuk in a middleweight clash. Holland has lost three of his past five fights and is looking to bounce back with a win. Meanwhile, Oleksiejczuk is also hungry for a win after being submitted by Michel Pereira in his last fight.
Holland is a technical and powerful striker. Additionally, he has a significant seven-inch reach advantage against his opponent. Holland is a skilled grappler, but capitalizing on his reach advantage would likely be a good way to win this fight.
On the other hand, Oleksiejczuk has won 14 fights by KO or TKO. He will have to fight on the inside and neutralize Holland’s reach advantage. That will give him the best opportunity to win this fight.
Prediction: Holland by Decision
Kevin Holland has far more UFC experience and a much longer reach than his opponent. Also, he needs a win after going 2-3 in his last five fights. Holland may find it difficult to finish his opponent, but it is likely he will be too much for his opponent across the full three rounds.
UFC 302 Preview: Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa
Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland fights Paulo Costa in the co-main event of UFC 302. This is Strickland’s first fight since losing the middleweight title to Dricus Du Plessis in a closely-contested fight at UFC 297. Strickland will look to bounce back immediately with a win over a top contender in Paulo Costa.
Costa comes off of a loss to former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 298. However, Costa fought well in that bout and only narrowly came up short. A win over Strickland would put Costa back in title contention.
Strickland is a well-rounded fighter, with excellent striking and striking defense in addition to a solid ground game. Costa is well-known for his powerful striking. However, Costa’s stamina is a bit questionable. This could be a major issue against someone like Strickland who likes to fight at a fast pace.
Prediction: Strickland by Decision
Finishing Paulo Costa is extremely difficult. Israel Adesanya is the only one to finish Costa in mixed martial arts. That being said, Strickland has more high-level UFC experience than Costa and better stamina. Strickland will likely use his reach advantage and outpoint Costa over the course of the fight.
UFC 302 Preview: Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier
Islam Makhachev seeks to make the third defense of his lightweight title in the main event of UFC 302. Dustin Poirier has a chance to shock the MMA world and finally win an undisputed title. However, doing so will be incredibly challenging.
Islam Makhachev is a remarkably well-rounded fighter. His grappling and ground game are elite, as one would expect from a long-time training partner of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Additionally, Makhachev has improved his striking significantly in recent years. He finished former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in round one in his most recent fight. Makhachev’s overall skill is one reason he is quite popular amongst a certain segment of the UFC fanbase.
Dustin Poirier is an excellent striker who also boasts significant durability, as well. However, Poirier has been submitted three times in his career. Two of Poirier’s three submission losses have come in title fights, including once against Makhachev’s former teammate and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Poirier is 35 years old and almost no UFC fighter that age or older has won a UFC title fight. Makhachev’s southpaw stance does mean he faces Poirier’s right side. Poirier’s right hook is one of his best strikes.
Despite this, it is difficult to see Poirier beating an elite champion in his prime like Makhachev.
Prediction: Makhachev by Submission
Finishing Poirier on the fight is quite difficult, given his striking skill and durability. However, he has been submitted several times before now and Makhachev is an elite grappler. It seems likely that Makhachev will take him down and eventually submit him to retain his title.
UFC 302 Is Coming Up Soon
UFC 302 is nearly here. We hope you enjoyed our preview of UFC 302. Enjoy the fights. Check back next week for more combat sports content.