Get ready for an electrifying night of fights as UFC 302 takes place on June 1, 2024, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This stacked card is headlined by a lightweight championship bout between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier, with other high-profile fights rounding out the main card, prelims, and early prelims. Here’s everything you need to know about UFC 302, including where to watch it and detailed predictions for each fight.
Where To Watch
UFC 302 will be available exclusively on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View for the main card, starting at 10:00 PM ET. The prelims will air on ESPN2 and ESPN+ at 8:00 PM ET, while the early prelims can be viewed on ESPN+ starting at 6:00 PM ET. Make sure to tune in to catch all the action live!
Fight Stats
To help you better understand the fighters’ recent performances and capabilities, here’s a comprehensive table with detailed stats for each fighter on the UFC 302 card:
| Fight | Record | SLpM | SApM | Takedown Avg | Takedown Acc | Submission Avg | Age | Height | Weight | Fights | Time Since Last Fight | Number of Fights Since Last Victory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier | 25-1 / 30-8-1 | 2.27 / 5.62 | 0.84 / 3.73 | 3.42 / 1.39 | 65% / 36% | 1.0 / 1.4 | 32 / 35 | 5’10” / 5’9″ | 155 lbs | 26 / 39 | 7 months / 6 months | 0 / 1 |
| Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa | 28-6 / 14-3 | 5.54 / 5.28 | 4.14 / 6.37 | 1.02 / 0.21 | 61% / 80% | 0.3 / 0.2 | 33 / 32 | 6’1″ / 6’0″ | 185 lbs | 34 / 17 | 5 months / 4 months | 1 / 3 |
| Kevin Holland vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk | 24-9 / 18-7 | 3.85 / 4.67 | 2.84 / 3.52 | 0.88 / 1.14 | 43% / 45% | 0.8 / 0.3 | 31 / 28 | 6’3″ / 6’0″ | 185 lbs | 33 / 25 | 4 months / 5 months | 1 / 2 |
| Niko Price vs. Alex Morono | 15-6 / 23-8 | 4.38 / 4.86 | 5.71 / 3.76 | 1.12 / 0.58 | 25% / 45% | 1.2 / 0.6 | 34 / 33 | 6’0″ / 5’11” | 170 lbs | 22 / 31 | 7 months / 5 months | 2 / 1 |
| Randy Brown vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | 18-5 / 24-7-1 | 3.75 / 4.02 | 2.83 / 3.09 | 0.92 / 1.12 | 42% / 35% | 1.0 / 0.7 | 33 / 37 | 6’3″ / 5’11” | 170 lbs | 23 / 33 | 6 months / 9 months | 1 / 2 |
| Cesar Almeida vs. Roman Kopylov | 5-0 / 12-3 | 3.7 / 4.7 | 3.5 / 2.8 | 1.0 / 0.6 | 40% / 50% | 0.5 / 0.3 | 31 / 32 | 6’2″ / 6’0″ | 185 lbs | 5 / 15 | 6 months / 4 months | 0 / 1 |
| Jailton Almeida vs. Alexandr Romanov | 20-3 / 16-2 | 2.82 / 2.29 | 0.98 / 1.68 | 5.98 / 5.21 | 60% / 59% | 0.3 / 1.3 | 32 / 33 | 6’3″ / 6’2″ | 240 lbs | 23 / 18 | 3 months / 7 months | 1 / 1 |
| Grant Dawson vs. Joe Solecki | 20-1-1 / 12-3 | 3.58 / 2.85 | 2.65 / 1.89 | 3.44 / 1.61 | 38% / 50% | 1.7 / 1.1 | 30 / 30 | 5’10” / 5’9″ | 155 lbs | 22 / 15 | 4 months / 8 months | 0 / 1 |
| Phil Rowe vs. Jake Matthews | 10-3 / 17-6 | 4.48 / 3.08 | 3.96 / 2.11 | 0.6 / 1.2 | 100% / 43% | 0.2 / 0.5 | 33 / 29 | 6’3″ / 5’11” | 170 lbs | 14 / 24 | 4 months / 6 months | 1 / 2 |
| Mickey Gall vs. Bassil Hafez | 7-5 / 8-3 | 2.12 / 4.0 | 3.6 / 2.4 | 1.5 / 1.0 | 44% / 35% | 1.0 / 0.5 | 32 / 30 | 6’2″ / 6’0″ | 170 lbs | 13 / 11 | 12 months / 4 months | 3 / 1 |
| Ailin Perez vs. Joselyne Edwards | 8-2 / 13-4 | 4.5 / 3.8 | 3.2 / 2.9 | 1.5 / 1.3 | 50% / 45% | 0.7 / 0.3 | 28 / 28 | 5’5″ / 5’7″ | 135 lbs | 10 / 17 | 6 months / 5 months | 1 / 1 |
| Mitch Raposo vs. Andre Lima | 6-1 / 8-3 | 2.8 / 4.0 | 3.3 / 3.0 | 2.0 / 1.5 | 40% / 45% | 1.1 / 0.7 | 26 / 27 | 5’6″ / 5’7″ | 125 lbs | 7 / 11 | 8 months / 7 months | 2 / 1 |
The table above showcases critical metrics like significant strikes landed and absorbed per minute, takedown averages, accuracy, submission averages, ages, heights, weights, total number of professional fights, time since the last fight, and number of fights since the last victory. These statistics provide a comprehensive look at each fighter’s performance and readiness leading into UFC 302.
Fight Predictions and Analysis
Based on the detailed stats and analysis of each fighter’s recent performances, here are the predictions for each fight at UFC 302.
Main Card (10:00 PM ET, ESPN+ PPV)
Islam Makhachev (c) vs. Dustin Poirier – Lightweight Championship
Prediction: Islam Makhachev
Confidence: 8/10
Will Fight Go the Distance? No
Method of Victory: Submission
Confidence: 8/10
Analysis:
Makhachev’s superior grappling and submission game give him a distinct advantage over Poirier. While Poirier is a formidable striker, Makhachev’s ground control and high takedown accuracy are likely to dominate the match. Poirier’s vulnerability to submissions further supports the prediction of a submission victory for Makhachev.
Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa – Middleweight Bout
Prediction: Sean Strickland
Confidence: 6/10
Will Fight Go the Distance? Yes
Method of Victory: Decision
Confidence: 6/10
Analysis:
Strickland’s striking volume and accuracy, combined with Costa’s recent struggles, make him the favorite. Costa’s power means this fight could be close, but Strickland’s technical prowess and better defensive stats should edge out a decision victory.
Kevin Holland vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk – Middleweight Bout
Prediction: Kevin Holland
Confidence: 7/10
Will Fight Go the Distance? Yes
Method of Victory: Decision
Confidence: 6/10
Analysis:
Holland’s reach and striking versatility give him an edge. Oleksiejczuk’s aggressive style might lead to a competitive bout, but Holland’s comprehensive skill set is more likely to secure the victory. Holland’s ability to adapt and his defensive capabilities should help him win by decision.
Niko Price vs. Alex Morono – Welterweight Bout
Prediction: Alex Morono
Confidence: 6/10
Will Fight Go the Distance? Yes
Method of Victory: Decision
Confidence: 5/10
Analysis:
Morono’s striking accuracy and defensive stats are slightly better than Price’s. Price is unpredictable but often leaves openings, which Morono can capitalize on. Expect a competitive fight, with Morono’s consistency giving him the edge.
Randy Brown vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos – Welterweight Bout
Prediction: Randy Brown
Confidence: 7/10
Will Fight Go the Distance? Yes
Method of Victory: Decision
Confidence: 6/10
Analysis:
Brown’s reach and striking precision make him a tough opponent for Zaleski dos Santos. Brown’s defensive abilities should help him manage Zaleski’s aggressive style and secure a decision victory.
Prelims (8:00 PM ET, ESPN2/ESPN+)
Cesar Almeida vs. Roman Kopylov – Middleweight Bout
Prediction: Roman Kopylov
Confidence: 5/10
Will Fight Go the Distance? Yes
Method of Victory: Decision
Confidence: 5/10
Analysis:
Kopylov’s experience and striking power may edge out Almeida, who is still relatively new to MMA. This fight could be close given Almeida’s kickboxing background, but Kopylov’s MMA experience should give him the edge.
Jailton Almeida vs. Alexandr Romanov – Heavyweight Bout
Prediction: Jailton Almeida
Confidence: 8/10
Will Fight Go the Distance? No
Method of Victory: Submission
Confidence: 7/10
Analysis:
Almeida’s takedown average and submission skills are superior. Romanov’s wrestling is solid, but Almeida’s well-rounded game gives him a distinct edge, likely leading to a submission victory.
Grant Dawson vs. Joe Solecki – Lightweight Bout
Prediction: Grant Dawson
Confidence: 8/10
Will Fight Go the Distance? Yes
Method of Victory: Decision
Confidence: 7/10
Analysis:
Dawson’s grappling and control are top-notch, and his higher takedown accuracy should give him the advantage over Solecki, who is also grappling-focused. Expect Dawson to win by decision.
Phil Rowe vs. Jake Matthews – Welterweight Bout
Prediction: Jake Matthews
Confidence: 7/10
Will Fight Go the Distance? Yes
Method of Victory: Decision
Confidence: 6/10
Analysis:
Matthews’ well-rounded game and superior experience make him a favorite. Rowe’s striking is good, but Matthews’ overall skill set should prevail in a decision victory.
Early Prelims (6:00 PM ET, ESPN+)
Mickey Gall vs. Bassil Hafez – Welterweight Bout
Prediction: Bassil Hafez
Confidence: 6/10
Will Fight Go the Distance? No
Method of Victory: TKO
Confidence: 6/10
Analysis:
Hafez’s recent form and Gall’s inconsistency make Hafez a slight favorite. Gall’s submission skills are dangerous, but Hafez’s striking and control should be decisive, leading to a TKO victory.
Ailin Perez vs. Joselyne Edwards – Women’s Bantamweight Bout
Prediction: Joselyne Edwards
Confidence: 6/10
Will Fight Go the Distance? Yes
Method of Victory: Decision
Confidence: 5/10
Analysis:
Edwards’ striking volume and accuracy give her an edge. Perez is aggressive but may struggle with Edwards’ reach and technical striking, likely resulting in a decision victory for Edwards.
Mitch Raposo vs. Andre Lima – Flyweight Bout
Prediction: Mitch Raposo
Confidence: 7/10
Will Fight Go the Distance? Yes
Method of Victory: Decision
Confidence: 6/10
Analysis:
Raposo’s grappling and control are superior. Lima is a strong striker but may struggle to keep the fight standing against Raposo’s takedown game, resulting in a decision victory for Raposo.
Predictions Table
| Fight | Predicted Winner | Confidence (1-10) | Will Fight Go the Distance? | Confidence (1-10) | Predicted Method of Victory | Confidence (1-10) | Summary/Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier | Islam Makhachev | 8 | No | 7 | Submission | 8 | Makhachev’s superior grappling and submission game give him a distinct advantage over Poirier. While Poirier is a formidable striker, Makhachev’s ground control is likely to dominate. |
| Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa | Sean Strickland | 6 | Yes | 6 | Decision | 6 | Strickland’s striking volume and accuracy, combined with Costa’s recent struggles, make him the favorite. However, Costa’s power means this could be a close fight. |
| Kevin Holland vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk | Kevin Holland | 7 | Yes | 6 | Decision | 6 | Holland’s reach and striking versatility give him an edge. Oleksiejczuk’s aggressive style might lead to a competitive bout, but Holland’s skillset is more comprehensive. |
| Niko Price vs. Alex Morono | Alex Morono | 6 | Yes | 5 | Decision | 5 | Morono’s striking accuracy and defensive stats are slightly better. Price is unpredictable but often leaves openings, which Morono can capitalize on. |
| Randy Brown vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos | Randy Brown | 7 | Yes | 6 | Decision | 6 | Brown’s reach and striking precision make him a tough opponent for Zaleski dos Santos. Brown’s defensive abilities should help him manage Zaleski’s aggressive style. |
| Cesar Almeida vs. Roman Kopylov | Roman Kopylov | 5 | Yes | 5 | Decision | 5 | Kopylov’s experience and striking power may edge out Almeida, who is still relatively new to MMA. This fight could be close given Almeida’s kickboxing background. |
| Jailton Almeida vs. Alexandr Romanov | Jailton Almeida | 8 | No | 7 | Submission | 7 | Almeida’s takedown average and submission skills are superior. Romanov’s wrestling is solid, but Almeida’s well-rounded game gives him a distinct edge. |
| Grant Dawson vs. Joe Solecki | Grant Dawson | 8 | Yes | 7 | Decision | 7 | Dawson’s grappling and control are top-notch, and his higher takedown accuracy should give him the advantage over Solecki, who is also grappling-focused. |
| Phil Rowe vs. Jake Matthews | Jake Matthews | 7 | Yes | 6 | Decision | 6 | Matthews’ well-rounded game and superior experience make him a favorite. Rowe’s striking is good, but Matthews’ overall skill set should prevail. |
| Mickey Gall vs. Bassil Hafez | Bassil Hafez | 6 | No | 5 | TKO | 6 | Hafez’s recent form and Gall’s inconsistency make Hafez a slight favorite. Gall’s submission skills are dangerous, but Hafez’s striking and control should be decisive. |
| Ailin Perez vs. Joselyne Edwards | Joselyne Edwards | 6 | Yes | 5 | Decision | 5 | Edwards’ striking volume and accuracy give her an edge. Perez is aggressive but may struggle with Edwards’ reach and technical striking. |
| Mitch Raposo vs. Andre Lima | Mitch Raposo | 7 | Yes | 6 | Decision | 6 | Raposo’s grappling and control are superior. Lima is a strong striker but may struggle to keep the fight standing against Raposo’s takedown game. |
Conclusion
UFC 302 promises to be a thrilling event with a lineup of highly competitive bouts across the main card, prelims, and early prelims. With the lightweight championship fight between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier headlining the event, fans can expect high stakes and intense action. The detailed stats and analysis provided offer insights into each fighter’s strengths and weaknesses, contributing to well-informed predictions for the outcomes of each fight.