UFC 302 — Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier: Fight card, odds, start time, location, date, complete guide

The UFC is back in the Northeast this weekend for UFC 302. The promotion heads to Newark, New Jersey for its latest PPV offering with a lightweight title fight in the main event between champion Islam Makhachev and heavyweight favorite fans, Dustin Poirier. It’s the first time the UFC has returned to the region on PPV since UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden in November and the first time in New Jersey since March’s Fight Night event in Atlantic City.

Makhachev, a disciple of Khabib Nurmagomedov, looks to continue his impressive reign while building a pound-for-pound legacy. The native of Dagestan, Russia has won 13 straight since his stunning knockout loss to Adriano Martins in 2015. He has defeated some of the sport’s top names such as Alexander Volkanovski (twice), Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan. Adding Poirier to that list could make this already impressive resume even stronger. Makhachev already has his sights set on another division champion, this time a weight class above him.

“Honestly, I think it’s my opinion, [I’m] I almost finished my division because who’s next? Just Arman [Tsarukyan],” Makhachev told UFC.com this week. “I already won [him]and, in my category, I don’t have any interesting fights [or] very exciting fights for me. We have Dustin now. This guy is a legend. It’s a very good fight for my legacy. I’m going to finish him off and just wait for the next attempt.”

Poirier, meanwhile, is fighting for the belt after knocking out Benoit Saint Denis in the second round at UFC 299. Poirier (30-8, 1 NC) looks to finally become champion after losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s mentor and coach, in 2019 and Oliveira in 2021. “O Diamante” already has a Hall of Fame-worthy resume, but remains without that crowning achievement of undisputed gold.

“The main stage spotlight feels the same, but my headspace feels different… I have to do it this time because I won’t get another chance. It’s now or never,” Poirier told CBS Sports this week. “But I’m in a good place mentally. I’m grateful and starting to be content with my career and my legacy. mentally I’m very dangerous.”

The tie features an interesting middleweight clash that could produce a title challenger later this year when Sean Strickland takes on Paulo Costa. Strickland, the former titleholder, is coming off a tough split decision loss to Dricus du Plessis and lost his title. Costa, in turn, has lost three of the last four, but all against the division’s main candidates. In addition, the undercard also features the return of Kevin Holland to welterweight, looking to get back on track. And veterans Alex Morono and Niko Price will also fight in the welterweight division.

Below is the full UFC 302 fight card along with the latest odds. Check back throughout the week for the latest news, features and other content about this great event.

UFC 302 fight card, odds

• Islam Makhachev (c) -625 vs. Dustin Poirier +450, lightweight title
• *Sean Strickland -250 vs. Paulo Costa +205, middleweights
• Kevin Holland -290 vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk +235, middleweight
• Alex Morono -265 vs. Niko Price +215, welterweight
• Randy Brown -180 vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos +155, welterweight
• Cesar Almeida -120 vs. Roman Kopylov +100, middleweights
• Grant Dawson -500 vs. Joe Solecki +380, lightweights
• Jake Matthews -155 vs. Phil Rowe +130, middleweights
• Jailton Almeida -320 vs. Alexandr Romanov +250, heavyweights
• Bassil Hafez -400 vs. Mickey Gall +310, middleweights
• Ailin Perez -180 vs. Joselyne Edwards +155, women’s bantamweight
• Andre Lima -270 vs. Mitch Raposo +220, flyweight

*Strickland vs. Costa is a five-round non-title co-main event.

UFC 302 Information

• Date: June 1st
• Location: Prudential Center – Newark, New Jersey
• Start time: 10pm ET (main card)
• How to watch: ESPN + PPV

UFC 302 Countdown

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