UFC 302 is only a week and naturally, the fans are once again excited for what awaits. In what has shaped up to be an interesting event, appearing seemingly out of nowhere, we will see one of the most important fights of the year. As such, for this one, let’s take a look at how the main event and the other fights on the card could potentially play out.
For those unaware, UFC 302 will see the return of lightweight king Islam Makhachev as he faces the threat of the veteran mainstay and former interim champ, Dustin Poirier. Although there have been some qualms about Poirier being the one to face Makhachev, the tune has since changed, with many now rooting for the Louisiana native to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming UFC champion in what will likely be his career swansong.
Live out of the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, we will also see former middleweight champion Sean Strickland make his return against the Brazilian destroyer Paulo Costa. Whilst the rest of the card may not be as stellar as some of the events earlier this year, it will no doubt be an event that one cannot and should not miss out on.
UFC 302 full main card predictions
With that, let us now shift our focus to the main card for UFC 302. Featuring a whole host of some very talented fighters, expect almost all of these fights to be neck and neck. As such, we can expect to see some long drawn-out contests with the possibility of some absolute wars. At the same time, many of these names are also capable of pulling a highlight reel knockout out of thin air as well.
Thus, keeping their records and recent performances in mind, here are our predictions for how the following fights on the main card could unfold. Naturally, these are all just theorizations of how the fights could play out, without taking into account the possibility of any freak injury or stoppages.
Randy Brown vs Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos
Starting things off, we will see a welterweight contest between Randy Brown and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos to kick off the main card. Right off the bat, many will feel confident in placing their hopes on the high-flying and rangy Brown to get the job done over Dos Santos. However, despite being 3-1 in his last 4, ‘Rudeboy’ has shown signs of struggle against heavy-handed brawlers that can close the distance on him.
Randy Brown will fight Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos at #UFC302 on June 1st. (first rep. @AgFight) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2024 pic.twitter.com/8aAmlDbgKZ
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) April 17, 2024
On the other hand, the 37-year-old Dos Santos is as durable as they come. Whilst his 2-1-1 record in his last four may not seem too inspiring, his ability to take his opponents to deep waters is one that makes him a tough fight. Thus, if Brown is able to stay at range and use his weapons, he could chop down ‘Capoeira’ nice and early. However, it is entirely possible that it also goes the distance after a grueling war.
Jailton Almeida vs Alexandr Romanov
Up next, we have a fight that a lot of fans may not be looking forward to Jailton Almeida takes on Alexandr Romanov in what will be a wrestler vs. wrestler matchup. Although Almeida made a brilliant surge up the rankings, his wrestling-heavy approach was found out and punished by Curtis Blaydes in his last outing. As such, he will need to make significant improvements in order to hold his position and get back on track.
A.Volkov out. Jailton Almeida will now fight Alexandr Romanov at #UFC302 on June 1st. (first rep. @AgFight) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2024 pic.twitter.com/oEPU3C25Cb
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) April 10, 2024
On the other hand, the Moldovian Romanov has at times impressed but then been lackluster against the top dogs of the division. Going 2-2 in his last four, his last outing saw him get a unanimous decision win against Blagoy Ivanov. Thus, barring some completely out-of-pocket and unexpected stylistic change from either fighter, we could be well set for a wrestle-fest that some enthusiasts may enjoy. Expect Almeida to take the win in this one.
Kevin Holland vs Michal Oleksiejczuk
Up next we have the latest addition to the card which was arguably the missing piece of the puzzle. With Roman Dolidze’s fight against Roman Kopylov and then Michel Pereira falling through, this one will make for an adequate replacement. Having been on the end of a shutout against Michael Venom Page at UFC 299, expect Kevin Holland to come out all guns blazing for this one. To make things better, Michal Oleksiejczuk will likely do the same.
Kevin Holland will fight Michal Oleksiejczuk at #UFC302 on June 1st. #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2024 #MW pic.twitter.com/CK1EI4BKlL
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) May 12, 2024
Seeing that both men are capable of delivering the goods on the feet, it could result in them canceling each other out. In that case, despite his shortcomings in the past, Kevin Holland would be much favored on the ground. In the past, we have seen Oleksiejczuk fall prey to submissions, even against strikers. As such, it is likely a weakness that Holland will look as his path to victory in his first move up to middleweight since 2021.
Sean Strickland vs Paulo Costa
Up next we have arguably the most hard to call, coin toss of a fight with Sea Strickland and Paulo Costa. Whilst Strickland is coming off a title loss to Dricus du Plessis, Costa fell short against Robert Whittaker in his last outing. Whilst many may side with ‘Tarzan’ for his credentials as a former champion, Costa could play spoiler for his title rematch plans. Despite his inconsistencies, ‘The Eraser’ remains one of the hardest hitters at 185.
Sean Strickland will fight Paulo Costa at #UFC302 on June 1st. (per Dana White) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2024 #CoMain #FiveRounds pic.twitter.com/rjvrjjAxgx
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) April 14, 2024
Even in his loss to Whittaker, Costa was able to absorb tremendous amounts of damage, and dishing out fewer yet harder shots in return. At one point, he even stunned the former champ with a spectacular spinning heel kick. That said, Strickland is good with his volume game, but at the same time struggles to defend against big hitters. Thus, this one somehow has all the markings of an upset KO loss for Strickland.
Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier
Lastly, we have the main men of the hour around whom the event has been created. Dustin Poirier challenges for the lightweight strap in what will be his third and final attempt. Capping off a tremendous and inspirational career, Poirier will make one last gasp at the strap before possibly riding off into the sunset. However, the man that stands before him is quite possibly the most dominant lightweight we have seen in recent times.
Barring his mentor Khabib, Islam Makhachev is likely set to be the most successful lightweight champ of all time. That said, the Dagestani is also heavily favored to win the fight, for obvious reasons. In his preparations for the fight, Poirier has heavily reinforced his wrestling meaning that he will be much more competent on the ground. barring a disastrous mistake from Islam or an absolute master plan from Dustin, it is clear which way this one is heading.