Poirier vs. Holloway III: An Epic Encounter in New Orleans
The long-awaited moment has arrived. Dustin Poirier is preparing to hang up his gloves, but not without one last showdown in his native Louisiana against his historic rival, the current BMF champion, Max Holloway. This trilogy promises to cap off with a flourish a rivalry that has marked the history of mixed martial arts.The first time these two warriors met was in 2012, at Holloway’s UFC debut. Poirier welcomed him with a triangle choke that forced Holloway to surrender in the first round.
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Analysis and Predictions
Alofoke Deportes analysts offer their predictions for this highly anticipated match. In addition, our sports betting expert, Ian Parker, shares his recommendations on the best options for betting on both cards.Lightweight Star Fight
We can talk about strategies, but for some reason, Dustin Poirier has always had the advantage over Max Holloway. Sometimes, in sports, a fighter simply has the formula to beat another, and I think that’s the case here. Dustin is a more impactful striker. Max is great, but I don’t think he has enough power to consistently stand with these lightweights.
Anthony Smith
It’s a home fight for Dustin, and I think he has the ability to counter Max. That’s what caused Holloway problems in his last fight against Poirier, and I’m not sure Holloway has noticed and made the necessary adjustments. It will be a close, competitive fight. I just think Dustin will win more rounds.
Din Thomas
Betting Analysis
Odds are accurate as of Thursday. For the most up-to-date odds, visit ESPN BET.Parker: Over 4.5 rounds. Similar to the first two fights between Poirier and Holloway, I expect this one to be exciting. With two fighters of this caliber who have some of the best durability in the sport, it would be surprising if this fight wasn’t competitive from start to finish. The biggest question might be how Holloway responds to the first knockout loss of his career, the last time against Ilia Topuria. Poirier doesn’t have the same power. He’s more the type to wear you down and finish you late in the fight, so the over 4.5 rounds bet seems like the option here. If you want better odds, bet that the fight goes the distance.Parker’s Best Bets for the Rest of the UFC Card
Average Weight: Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov
Kopylov wins (-240). Costa had a lot of success early in his career by knocking out his opponents and imposing his will with his athleticism, but it’s been a while since he had a dominant win over someone significant. Enter Kopylov. He is the betting favorite, and I’m surprised the number isn’t higher. Kopylov is the better striker and has worked hard lately to improve his takedown defense. Unless Costa turns into Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez and becomes an incredible wrestler with unlimited cardio, expect Kopylov to put on a striking clinic and get the win here. If you don’t like the -240 odds, bet on Kopylov to win by decision.Featherweight: Dan Ige vs. Patricio Pitbull
Ige wins (-220). After a knockout victory, Ige will look to add Pitbull to his resume and continue climbing the featherweight division rankings. Ige has an endless gas tank, finishing power, and a high fight IQ, which should serve him well against an experienced MMA veteran. Pitbull didn’t look himself in his UFC debut, a decision loss to Yair Rodriguez in April, but was one of the top Bellator MMA fighters for a long time. Expect a competitive fight here. Both guys tend to start slow, but Ige’s volume and pace will increase as the fight goes on and give him the victory. Ige opened as a -175 favorite and has risen to -220. If those odds continue to rise, bet on Ige to win and over 1.5 rounds.Average Weight: Marvin Vettori vs. Brendan Allen
Allen wins (-210). Allen and Vettori have had run-ins outside the cage in the past, and now they will have the opportunity to settle their differences in the Octagon. Allen is a -210 favorite, and I agree with the bookmakers. As good as Vettori was, a nine-year UFC veteran, he has become a low-volume striker with no takedown attempts. But he still clings to his durability. Allen has all the skills to be a champion, but he tends to fall short just before a title is in sight. He is receiving Vettori at the right moment in his career, and I expect Allen to be the better fighter everywhere and anywhere the fight takes place. When Allen is aggressive, he is at his best. Expect him to shine in his home state of Louisiana.Parker’s Top Bets for PFL Cape Town
Average Weight: Johnny Eblen vs. Costello van Steenis
Eblen wins; more than 2.5 rounds. In the main event, Eblen will seek to defend his middleweight championship against the lethal striker van Steenis. Expect Eblen, a heavy favorite, to take this fight to the ground early and maintain a threatening pace to tire van Steenis and diminish his punching power as the fight progresses. Whether you put Eblen as the anchor of your parlay or choose him to win and more than 2.5 rounds. He should win rounds and take this fight to deep waters.Women’s Flyweight: Dakota Ditcheva vs. Sumiko Inaba Ditcheva by TKO/KO. Inaba will look to derail Ditcheva’s hype train, but I just don’t see that happening. Ditcheva has world-class striking and power to finish the fight that continues to improve every time she hits the PFL SmartCage. The only way to bet this fight is to pick Ditcheva by TKO/KO. For the best possible odds, have her finish it in round 1.Heavyweight: Corey Anderson vs. Denis Goltsov Anderson wins. In a fight that may dictate who competes for the PFL heavyweight title later in the year, former Bellator light heavyweight champion Anderson takes on last season’s PFL heavyweight champion Golstov. The outcome of this fight will depend on whether Anderson can outmaneuver his opponent early and survive Round 1. Standing, I would lean towards Golstov, but the wrestling and cardio departments belong to Anderson. I’m going to bet on the underdog, Anderson, because Golstov has a questionable gas tank and was taken down too easily by Oleg Popov in his last fight.
