Dustin Poirier may be a sizeable betting underdog for his title fight against UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev tomorrow night (Sat., June 1, 2024) at UFC 302 live on ESPN+ PPV from inside Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., but “Diamond” is still one of the biggest fan favorites on the card.
As one of the most entertaining and exciting fighters in UFC history, Poirier commands a following wherever he goes. And even though he has never cashed in on an undisputed UFC title shot fight fans are still counting on Poirier to pull of the impossible this weekend at UFC 302. Remember, Makhachev has won his last 12 trips to the Octagon and is currently the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. It’s going to be a tough day at the office for Poirier if he wants to cap off his career with the ultimate upset.
Earlier this week, fight fans showed massive love for Poirier as he was exiting UFC 302’s pre-fight press conference (replay HERE). Poirier, who grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana, was seen walking down Lafayette Street in Newark. That’s when a hoard of crazed supporters spotted “Diamond” and rushed him like he was The Beatles. Security had to usher Poirier as he made his way down the road.
Check it out in the above video player and an alternate angle below:
Dustin Poirier takes a walk down Lafayette Street and is mobbed by fans after the #UFC302 press conference. Poirier was born in Lafayette, Louisiana and is fighting for the title at the Prudential Center on Lafayette Street. Destiny? pic.twitter.com/wCFheFnwo7
— Andreas Hale (@AndreasHale) May 30, 2024
Poirier, who turned 35 earlier this year, is coming off a beautiful knockout stoppage over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299 this past March. That performance ultimately landed Poirier his third shot at undisputed UFC gold, but Saturday’s walk to the Octagon at UFC 302 could very well be his last. Maybe that’s why fight fans are taking extra notice.
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LIVE! Watch UFC 302 PPV On ESPN+ Here!
’GARDEN STATE’ SHOWDOWN! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Sat., June 1, 2024, featuring Lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, locking horns with 155-pound legend and No. 4-seeded contender, Dustin Poirier, in the pay-per-view (PPV) main event of the evening. UFC 302’s co-headliner features an action-packed, 185-pound scrap between No. 1-ranked contender, Sean Strickland, squaring off with Brazilian beefcake, Paulo Costa, in a five-round special attraction. UFC 302’s PPV main card (see it here) will also feature Kevin Holland vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk, Jailton Almeida vs. Alexandr Romanov and so much more. It’s must-watch action! UFC 302 start time scheduled for 6:15 p.m. ET (Prelims) and 10 p.m. ET (PPV).
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 302 fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPN2/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 302: “Makhachev vs. Poirier” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For the updated and finalized UFC 302 fight card and ESPN+ lineup click here.
