UFC 302: Makhachev vs Poirier Full Card Odds, Prelim Picks, Start Time, How to Watch, & More

UFC 302: Makhachev vs. Poirier full card preview & prelim picks and best bets are brought to you by BetOnline. BetOnline is a market leader in sportsbooks, offering a variety of options from UFC odds to the NFL and everything in between.

After an MMA-less weekend, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is back in a big way with UFC 302 this weekend. It’s going to be an exciting Saturday night in New Jersey as UFC enthusiasts are treated to a massive card that’ll be headlined by a lightweight championship bout between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier.

Newark, we have arrived #UFC302 fight week is HERE!

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With another fight-filled weekend upon us, Betting News is here to help you get the most out of your MMA betting experience. Buckle up as we dive into my UFC 302: Makhachev vs. Poirier preview as we look at the latest full card odds and trends, as well as my preliminary predictions and best bets.

UFC 302 Main Card Fights & Odds

All UFC 302: Makhachev vs. Poirier odds are courtesy of BetOnline as of Monday, May 27 at 12:12 p.m.

UFC 302 Main event: Islam Makhachev (c) vs. Dustin Poirier — Lightweight

• Record: Islam Makhachev (25-1) vs. Dustin Poirier (30-8, 1 NC)
• Moneyline: Islam Makhachev (-700) | Dustin Poirier (+500)
• Round total: 2.5 — Over (+135) | Under (-165)
• Most likely method of victory: Makhachev via Submission (-115)

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UFC 302 Co-Main Event: Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa — Middleweight

• Record: Sean Strickland (28-6) vs. Paulo Costa (14-3)
• Moneyline: Sean Strickland (-240) | Paulo Costa (+205)
• Round total: 4.5 — Over (+110) | Under (-140)
• Most likely method of victory: Strickland via KO/TKO (+140)

Kevin Holland vs. Michał Oleksiejczuk — Middleweight

• Record: Kevin Holland (25-11, 1 NC) vs. Michał Oleksiejczuk (19-7, 1 NC)
• Moneyline: Kevin Holland (-275) | Michał Oleksiejczuk (+235)
• Round total: 1.5 — Over (-165) | Under (+135)
• Most likely method of victory: Holland via KO/TKO or Submission (+265)

Jailton Almeida vs. Alexander Romanov — Heavyweight

• Record: Jailton Almeida (20-3) vs. Alexander Romanov (17-2)
• Moneyline: Jailton Almeida (-255) | Alexander Romanov (+215)
• Round total: 1.5 — Over (-135) | Under (+105)
• Most likely method of victory: Almeida via Submission (+135)

Randy Brown vs. Elizeu Zaleski — Welterweight

• Record: Randy Brown (18-5) vs. Elizeu Zaleski (24-7-1)
• Moneyline: Randy Brown (-161) | Elizeu Zaleski (+141)
• Round total: 2.5 — Over (-165) | Under (+135)
• Most likely method of victory: Brown via Points (+170)

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UFC 302 Preliminary & Early Prelim Card Odds & Picks

UFC Vegas 92 Prelim Fight Record: 6-1

UFC Vegas 92 Prelim Best Bet Record: 2-5

César Almeida vs. Roman Kopylov — Middleweight

• Record: César Almeida (5-0)  vs. Roman Kopylov (12-3)
• Moneyline: César Almeida (-106) | Roman Kopylov (-114)
• Round total: 2.5 — Over (+100) | Under (-130)

César Almeida, a renowned kickboxer, entered the UFC last month and secured a TKO victory over Dylan Budka, showcasing his exceptional skills. On the other hand, Roman Kopylov aims to regain his momentum following a submission defeat to Anthony Hernandez, which halted his impressive four-fight winning streak back in February.

In a fight that could go either way, I’m taking Kopylov to win. Yes, Almeida is undefeated, but Kopylov has more MMA experience, which includes four knockout wins at the UFC level. I see these middleweights trading shots throughout the three rounds before Kopylov finds an opening to win.

Almeida vs. Kopylov Prediction: Roman Kopylov

Almeida vs. Kopylov Best Bet: Kopylov ML (-114)

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Grant Dawson vs. Joe Solecki — Lightweight

• Record: Grant Dawson (20-2-1) vs. Joe Solecki (13-4)
• Moneyline: Grant Dawson (-450) | Joe Solecki (+350)
• Round total: 2.5 — Over (-200) | Under (+160)

Grant Dawson and Joe Solecki could both use a win as they come off knockout losses in their last respective outings. While neither man has experienced consecutive defeats, I’m going with Dawson to emerge victorious this weekend.

Although Solecki is a skilled fighter, his recent record shows he has won two fights and lost two fights in his last four matches. On the other hand, Dawson had an impressive undefeated streak of 12 fights before his most recent bout. Additionally, Dawson holds an advantage in terms of size and experience compared to Solecki. This gives him an upper hand in the ground-and-pound aspect, making it possible for him to secure a victory if the fight goes to the mat.

That being said, Solecki has a good track record of avoiding being defeated decisively, hence it is likely that Dawson will emerge as the winner by decision.

Dawson vs. Solecki Prediction: Grant Dawson

Dawson vs. Solecki Best Bet: Dawson via Points (-110)

Philip Rowe vs. Jake Matthews — Welterweight

• Record: Philip Rowe (10-4) vs. Jake Matthews (19-7)
• Moneyline: Philip Rowe (+140) | Jake Matthews (-160)
• Round total: 2.5 — Over (-150) | Under (+120)

Although Jake Matthews is likely the favored fighter in this welterweight matchup, I have some doubts about trusting him over Philip Rowe. Matthews has struggled to maintain a consistent winning record in recent years, having only won 2 out of his last 5 fights. On the other hand, Rowe had an impressive streak of knocking out three opponents in a row before narrowly losing to Neil Magny by split decision in June.

Due to Matthews’ inconsistencies, I’m going with a Rowe upset this weekend. The Brooklyn, NY native has fought well since making his UFC debut while his opponent’s recent history proves that the door is open for an upset.

Rowe vs. Matthews Prediction: Philip Rowe

Rowe vs. Matthews Best Bet: Rowe ML (+140)

Niko Price vs. Alex Morono — Welterweight

• Record: Niko Price (15-7, 2 NC) vs. Alex Morono (24-9, 1 NC)
• Moneyline: Niko Price (+185) | Alex Morono (-220)
• Round total: 1.5 — Over (-180) | Under (+150)

When it comes to the UFC 302 bout, I won’t be overanalyzing. Niko Price’s performance has been disappointing in recent years, with a record of 1-4 and a no-contest in his last five fights. On the other hand, Alex Morono has shown great form, winning 6 out of his previous 8 bouts and boasting a 7-2-1 record as the favorite.

Given Price’s recent record of being knocked out or experiencing technical knockouts in five out of his last 10 fights, it is highly likely that Morono will emerge victorious by finishing the fight.

Price vs. Morono Prediction: Alex Morono

Price vs. Morono Best Bet: Morono inside the distance (+105)

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Mickey Gall vs. Bassil Hafez — Welterweight

• Record: Mickey Gall (7-5) vs. Bassil Hafez (8-4-1)
• Moneyline: Mickey Gall (+245) | Bassil Hafez (-285)
• Round total: 1.5 — Over (-185) | Under (+155)

Mickey Gall had a strong beginning in his MMA career with a 4-0 record, but his recent performance has been lackluster, with only 3 wins out of his last 8 fights. It’s been over two years since his knockout by Mike Malott, and he hasn’t stepped into the ring since. On the other hand, although Bassil Hafez faced defeat in his UFC debut against Jack Della Maddalena, I have more faith in him this weekend. I believe he will be determined to demonstrate his worth in the top MMA organization.

Hafez is known for his grappling, but Gall is a pretty solid wrestler himself. With that in mind, I see Hafez winning this one via points.

Gall vs. Hafez Prediction: Bassil Hafez

Gall vs. Hafez Best Bet: Hafez via Points (TBD)

Ailín Pérez vs. Joselyne Edwards — Women’s Bantamweight

• Record: Ailín Pérez (9-2) vs. Joselyne Edwards (13-5)
• Moneyline: Ailín Pérez (-195) | Joselyne Edwards (+170)
• Round total: 2.5 — Over (-350) | Under (+275)

When it comes to this weekend’s sole women’s fight, I like Ailín Pérez’s chances of extending her winning streak. She’s now 2-0 since making her bantamweight return, bringing her weight class record to 8-1. Pérez now gets to go up against Joselyne Edwards, who dropped to 3-3 in her last six fights with a loss to Nora Cornolle.

Edwards, an experienced veteran, has mastered the art of avoiding defeat, implying that Pérez will probably need to employ a long-term strategy to achieve success.

Pérez vs. Edwards Prediction: Ailín Pérez

Pérez vs. Edwards Best Bet: Pérez via Points (TBD)

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André Lima vs. Mitch Raposo — Flyweight

• Record: André Lima (8-0) vs. Mitch Raposo (9-1)
• Moneyline: André Lima (-237) | Mitch Raposo (+202)
• Round total: 2.5 — Over (-155) | Under (+125)

Here’s a revised version: Get ready for an intense flyweight showdown at UFC! Mitch Raposo, known for finishing seven out of his first 10 MMA opponents, is making his debut. Meanwhile, André Lima is determined to maintain his flawless record after his recent victory over Igor de Silva, who was disqualified, just a couple of months ago.

Raposo has a solid record, but we already saw him lose on The Ultimate Fighter: Season 29 and Dana White’s Contender Series 2021. He just isn’t suited for the UFC level and I wouldn’t be surprised if he has his hands full with Lima, who has four first-round knocks under his belt.

Raposo may put up a fight, but I fully expect Lima to end this one with a knockout blow.

Lima vs. Raposo Prediction: André Lima

Lima vs. Raposo Best Bet: Lima via KO/TKO (TBD)

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UFC 302: Makhachev vs. Poirier Information & FAQ

When is UFC 302?

• Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 1, 2024 as UFC 302 will be held on that day.

Where is UFC 302?

• The live broadcast of UFC 302 will take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

What time does UFC 302 start?

• UFC 302 Early Prelims Start Time: 6:15 p.m. ET
• UFC 302 Preliminary Card Start Time: 8 p.m. ET
• UFC 302 Main Card Start Time: 10 p.m. ET

How to Watch UFC 302

• UFC 302 Early Prelims Channel: ESPN+
• UFC 302 Preliminary Card Channel: ESPN+, ESPN2
• UFC 302 Main Card Channel: ESPN+, PPV

How to Bet on UFC 302

• All of the top online sports betting sites will have UFC 302 odds, but here are some of the sites we recommend most for UFC betting enthusiasts.