UFC 291 takes place this Saturday, July 29th, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The event features 10 additional fights alongside the main event, a lightweight bout between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje. Both fighters have met before in the UFC, making this a highly anticipated rematch.
We will also be covering two preliminary fights being Thompson vs Pereira in the welterweight division, followed by a light heavyweight clash between Blachowicz & Pereira.
Click Here for Betting on The Full Fight Card
DUSTIN POIRIER VS. JUSTIN GAETHJE
Lightweight Main Event:
Dustin Poirier is a formidable American fighter with expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, making him a tough opponent to defeat in the lightweight division. Currently ranked as the second-best fighter in the division, Poirier has had notable wins against Connor McGregor and has shown great form with four victories in his last five fights, with the only loss being in a title shot against Charles Oliveira in 2021.
Justin Gaethje, also an American, is known for his striking ability, making him a dangerous fighter on his feet. He has won three of his last five UFC fights, with two wins by unanimous decision and one by TKO. His only losses have been against skilled fighters Charles Oliveira and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Ranked number 3 in the lightweight division, Gaethje is determined to defeat Poirier and move closer to another title shot in the future.
Betting – click here to bet
Poirier (4/6)
Gaethje (13/10)
Prediction:
Given their records since their first meeting in 2018 (both currently sitting on 6-2), this seems like the perfect time for a rematch. Poirier appears to have the edge with a previous win against Gaethje, and I predict he will carry that confidence into the fight. While the match will likely be closely contested initially, I anticipate Poirier overpowering Gaethje and securing a TKO victory in the third round.
JAN BLACHOWICZ VS. ALEX PEREIRA
Preliminary Light Heavyweight Bout:
Jan Blachowicz, an exceptionally strong Polish fighter, boasts extensive experience in the UFC as a former light heavyweight champion. Eager for victory, he aims to bounce back after his last title fight against Magomed Ankalaev, which ended in a draw.
Alex Pereira, a Brazilian fighter, is renowned for his brutal striking power in the middleweight division. He will be making his light heavyweight debut at UFC 291, resulting in him facing significant pressure, especially after his recent loss to Israel Adesanya in the middleweight division (click here for betting on Adesanya v South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis)
Betting – click here to bet
Blachowicz (17/20)
Pereira (1/1)
Prediction:
Blachowicz's experience in the light heavyweight division will likely overwhelm Pereira, the debutant who is moving up a weight division, leading to a victory in the 2nd round via TKO.
STEPHEN THOMPSON VS. MICHEL PEREIRA
Welterweight event:
Stephen Thompson, an American fighter, is currently in excellent form following an impressive win against Kevin Holland in his last fight. He is considered the favourite in the upcoming bout due to his extraordinary kickboxing ability. Despite his age (40), Thompson remains widely known for his speed and will be a formidable opponent.
On the other side of the octagon, Michel Pereira, a Brazilian fighter, is currently on an impressive 5-fight win streak, showcasing remarkable stamina with 4 of his last 5 fights going the distance. Pereira is in brilliant form, having earned the "Fight of The Night" award in his most recent bout.
Betting – click here to bet
Thompson (4/6)
Pereira (13/10)
Prediction:
Although the Brazilian's wild style and shear athleticism might pose a challenge to the American fighter, Thompson is expected to use his skills to score points effectively and avoid sustaining significant damage, ultimately securing a decision win.
SUGGESTED BET
The treble of my 3 fancies Poirier (4/6), Blachowicz (17/20), Thompson (4/6) works out to 4/1 and that is my main bet.
There will also be betting on the method of victory and winning round closer to fight night
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
