UFC Betting Odds Picks & Predictions Connor McGregor Vs. Dustin Poirier 2
For the second time in a row, Connor McGregor is headlining the first UFC betting pay-per-view event of the year. His last year’s win over Donald Cerrone on January 18 was also his only fight in 2020. This time, on January 23rd, he’s taking on Dustin Poirier in a rematch of the 2014 duel. The match will take place at Yas Island, aka Fight Island. Since the first time they’ve met, both fighters have evolved significantly.
Poirier has gone 10-2 since winning the interim lightweight title in the process. And McGregor’s path is well-known to all of us. The Irishman went on to become one of the best UFC betting fighters ever. He’s also arguably one of the biggest stars in the world of sports.
UFC Betting Odds Analysis
Perhaps surprisingly, McGregor opened just as a -180 favorite. Opening odds had Poirier’s chances at +155. However, the bulk of action going the Irishman’s way quickly altered the odds. McGregor is now a consensus -315 favorite, while his opponent is at +245. The odds on “Notorious” were shorter only three times in his career. In the previous Poirier fight, he was -225 favorite.
Saturday’s slate is trending to be the biggest UFC event ever, betting wise. So far, the record-high action was seen in the previous event featuring McGregor, the UFC 246. The sportsbooks are already reporting a couple of six-figure bets. Fanduel has taken a $188.000, and PointBet a $100.000 bet, both on McGregor.
Connor McGregor Vs. Dustin Poirier 2 Match Preview
So far, the prematch buzz, as well as most of the action, has all been about Conor McGregor. But, Dusting Poirier is far from just a punching bag. The Louisiana-native has a respectable career and some big scalps under his belt. Most notably, Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje, Anthony Pettis, and Eddie Alvarez.
In the 2014 fight, Mcgregor managed to get under Poirier’s skin with his mind games. Poirier himself admitted so. The fight ended after 1:46 with McGregor scoring a knockout. However, he’s matured a lot since. In his biggest challenge yet, the 2019 title fight vs Nurmagomedov, he looked poised and hardly fazed.
Given how short it was, there’s little we can take from the last fight between the two. Especially since Saturday’s match will be contested in a different category. The previous meeting was at featherweight, while Saturday’s fight will be at lightweight. This should give some edge to McGregor who could profit from more power. Still, since he doesn’t have to cut weight, better conditioning will help Poirier. He’s known to prefer longer UFC betting fights. On the other hand, McGregor will certainly prefer to end things in the first round.
UFC Betting Pick: Conor McGregor -315
Ultimately, Mcgregor’s force should be too much for Poirier. He’s a better finisher and power puncher. Of course, if the fight drags on, the momentum will switch to Poirier’s side. Expect the Irishman to do his best to end the match as soon as possible. He’ll be extremely motivated with a boxing match against Manny Pacquiao on the cards next. Also, Nurmagomedov has hinted at a return from retirement if he finds a big enough UFC betting challenge.
