UFC 291 poster
UFC 291: POIRIER VS. GAETHJE 2 ODDS, PREDICTION AND FIGHT PREVIEW
The Octagon is preparing to return to Salt Lake City’s Delta Center for the much-awaited UFC 291, a night brimming with thrilling fights and unforgettable moments. The main event will feature a highly anticipated rematch between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, as they battle for the coveted BMF title and an opportunity to earn another shot at the lightweight championship.
Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje are no strangers to each other, having locked horns in a memorable bout five years ago. Since then, both fighters have been on an impressive run, each holding a record of 6-2.
Despite losing to the formidable Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira in their pursuit of the lightweight title, Poirier has showcased his prowess by defeating top-tier opponents like Eddie Alvarez, Max Holloway, Dan Hooker, Michael Chandler, and Conor McGregor. On the other hand, Gaethje has also left a trail of destruction, securing victories against James Vick, Edson Barboza, Donald Cerrone, Tony Ferguson, Chandler, and Rafael Fiziev.
Their fighting styles only add to the excitement. Poirier and Gaethje are fearless strikers who never shy away from engaging in an all-out war inside the Octagon. Their first encounter in Glendale, Arizona was an instant classic, leaving fans clamoring for a sequel. This time, with the stakes raised and their determination fueled by previous defeats, the rematch promises to be an epic showdown that may very well enter the history books as one of the greatest battles in UFC history.
Fight Odds:Dustin Poirier: -135 Justin Gaethje: +115
Our Prediction: Dustin Poirier wins the fight by submission or TKO in the second or third round
Next up in the co-main event, former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz will lock horns with ex-middleweight titleholder Alex Pereira, who is making his long-awaited debut in the 205-pound division. Blachowicz returns after a thrilling draw with Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 282, aiming to prove he is still a top force in the division. Meanwhile, Pereira, who relinquished the middleweight strap to Israel Adesanya at UFC 287, is eager to make a statement in his new weight class. As the Polish veteran squares off against the Brazilian knockout artist, fans can expect an explosive battle that could catapult the winner to the top of the light heavyweight rankings.
Fight Odds:
Jan Blachowicz: -120 Alex Pereira: +100
The main card also features a fiery lightweight matchup between seasoned veterans Tony Ferguson and Bobby Green. Ferguson, once on a spectacular 12-fight winning streak, enters the Octagon looking to avoid a sixth consecutive loss. Despite showing glimpses of his past brilliance in recent outings, Ferguson has faced unfavorable results. Green, too, is seeking redemption after suffering consecutive losses to current champion Islam Makhachev and division stalwart Drew Dober. Although Green’s first-round stoppage victory over Jared Gordon was ruled a no contest due to an accidental clash of heads, he is determined to prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division.
Fight Odds:
Bobby Green: -330 Tony Ferguson: +260
The welterweight division heats up as Stephen Thompson and Michel Pereira clash in what promises to be a striking spectacle. Thompson, a fixture in the welterweight Top 10, returns after a convincing win over Kevin Holland in December. Known for his karate-based style and exceptional movement, “Wonderboy” continues to showcase his skills despite being 40 years old. Meanwhile, Pereira has been on a five-fight winning streak, utilizing his creative and acrobatic moves while still maintaining technical prowess. With both fighters ranked in the welterweight division, this showdown could have significant implications for their respective careers.
Fight Odds:
Stephen Thompson: -200 Michel Pereira: +170
The welterweight excitement continues with Kevin Holland facing Uros Medic. Holland, a versatile competitor who has fought in both welterweight and middleweight divisions, holds a 2-1 record at 170 pounds. However, a submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev remains a blemish on his record. Medic, stepping in on short notice, returns to the Octagon after a 14-month absence. With an opportunity to make a mark in the division, Medic will be looking to capitalize on this chance. Fans can expect an intense battle between these two welterweight prospects.
Fight Odds:
Kevin Holland: -150 Uros Medic: +125
The heavyweight division delivers a clash between former title challenger Derrick Lewis and the rising Brazilian Marcos Rogerio de Lima. Lewis, known for his powerful knockout abilities, looks to rebound after three consecutive losses, including two first-round stoppages. De Lima, on the other hand, is riding a two-fight winning streak, with victories in four of his last five outings. As the heavyweights square off, they both seek to make a statement in a division that always promises fireworks.
Fight Odds:
Marcos Rogerio de Lima: -130 Derrick Lewis: +110
Welterweights Matthew Semelsberger and Yohan Lainesse are set to provide another exciting matchup on the card. Semelsberger has shown glimpses of brilliance during his UFC tenure, with a record of 5-3. His knockout power and entertaining fights have earned him a following among fans. Lainesse, making his promotional debut, is eager to make a strong first impression on the biggest stage in MMA. With both fighters hungry for success, this welterweight bout could be a hidden gem on the card.
Fight Odds:
Matthew Semelsberger: -140 Yohan Lainesse: +120
The middleweight division features a clash between Roman Kopylov and Claudio Ribeiro. Kopylov, a Russian veteran, has displayed his potential in the Octagon with impressive stoppage wins over Alessio Di Chirico and Punahele Soriano. Ribeiro, a member of Dana White’s Contender Series Class of ’22, is looking to bounce back after a loss in his UFC debut. With the middleweight division always seeking new contenders, both fighters will be eager to secure a statement victory.
Fight Odds:
Roman Kopylov: -230 Claudio Ribeiro: +190
The flyweight division showcases a battle between CJ Vergara and Vinicius Salvador. Both fighters earned their UFC contracts through the Dana White’s Contender Series, and each is eager to solidify their position in the division. Vergara has shown a mix of wins and losses since joining the UFC, while Salvador is determined to rebound after a loss in his promotional debut. This flyweight clash promises fast-paced action and could prove pivotal in shaping the division’s future.
Fight Odds:
CJ Vergara: -170 Vinicius Salvador: +145
The welterweight action continues with a fight between Gabriel Bonfim and Trevin Giles. Bonfim, a Brazilian newcomer, made an impressive statement with a first-round submission win in his UFC debut. Giles, on the other hand, has been steadily building momentum with consecutive decision victories. As these welterweights collide, both fighters will look to rise through the ranks and secure a spot among the division’s elite.
Fight Odds:
Gabriel Bonfim: -290 Trevin Giles: +235
The women’s flyweight division features a clash between Miranda Maverick and Priscila Cachoeira. Maverick, who recently competed at UFC 289, steps in on short notice to face Cachoeira. Despite suffering a decision loss in her last outing, Maverick remains a highly touted prospect in the division. Cachoeira, with two straight wins under her belt, aims to continue her momentum and prove she can be a force in the women’s flyweight division.
Fight Odds:
Miranda Maverick: -340 Priscila Cachoeira: +270
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