UFC 257: Poirier vs. McGregor 2 Picks and Predictions

Khalil Rountree vs. Marcin Prachnio

I just want everyone to know that missing out on this prelim fight would be a travesty. Khalil Rountree is one of the best strikers in the division and Marcin Prachnio has gotten brutally knocked out in all three of his UFC fights. Having lived in Bangkok for the past few years, Rountree is ready to bang. Rountree by knockout. Don’t miss it.

Rountree: -300

Dan Hooker vs. Michael Chandler

Michael Chandler makes his UFC debut! Too bad it’ll be a similar result to when the last Bellator lightweight champ came over to the UFC. This isn’t a knock on Chandler as much as it is a terrible match up for him. Chandler is short and relies on pressure and wrestling, which he is very skilled at. Watch his performances against Benson Henderson and Brandon Girtz as good examples of his abilities. Dan Hooker has shown that he can get taken down but he’s very adept at getting back up. I think he easily controls the boxing and has extremely dangerous knees, should Chandler get into that range. I really don’t see a scenario where Chandler comes out with a win. Not a knock against him, just the match up.

Hooker: -110

Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier

This is it. The biggest fight since the last time Conor McGregor fought. Rematching Dustin Poirier nearly seven years after their first fight. The first time Conor sparked Dustin and this time it’ll be no different. While Dustin has improved since then, so has Conor. And even if Dustin has gotten better he’s still the same Dustin Poirier. We have his downfall in his loss against the Korean Zombie return against Khabib, and we saw his downfall in the first Conor fight return against Michael Johnson. Dustin is too content with getting hit, taking one to give one, and he struggles against southpaws like McGregor (watch the Michael Johnson fight). While the past two years has seen Dustin win against some of the stiffest competition in the entire UFC, he’s just no match against McGregor. Conor by first round KO. Complete replay of their first fight which you can view below.

McGregor: -295