UFC on ESPN Odds: Poirier Favored Over Hooker in Critical Lightweight Fight
Posted on: June 27, 2020, 01:00h.
Last updated on: June 30, 2020, 01:57h.
American Dustin Poirier faces off against New Zealand’s Dan Hooker in a battle of two top-five lightweights in the main event of UFC on ESPN this Saturday. The bout will be held at the company’s Apex facility in Las Vegas.
William Hill sees Poirier as a -220 favorite over Hooker (+180) in a bout that could eventually lead to a title shot for the winner.
Poirier Promises Not to Overlook Hooker
Poirier (25-6) has already had one shot at the crown, losing last September to Khabib Nurmagomedov by submission. Still, he remains firmly established in the upper crust of UFC lightweights. In a sense, that makes Hooker (20-8) a slight downgrade in competition, though Poirier has been careful not to frame it that way.
This guy is dangerous. This guy is a top opponent, a top-five ranked fighter in the UFC for a reason,” Poirier told MMA Junkie. “I don’t like the fact that fans and stuff are just passing him over, because this is a dangerous guy I’ve been preparing very seriously for.”
On the other side, Hooker has the opportunity to establish himself as a lightweight title contender. Wins over the likes of Al Iaquinta and Paul Felder have shown he’s a real contender; another victory over Poirier will put him squarely in the title picture.
“I don’t think I’ve been overlooked,” Hooker told Yahoo Sports. “People saw that I went 3-3 in my first six UFC fights and they saw I’m beatable. They, as a result, never could see me developing into this super unbeatable, larger-than-life creature they like to create. I’ve never viewed the sport that way.”
Hooker has upped his game throughout his time in the UFC. He has settled on a kickboxing-based game plan that makes him dangerous against any opponent. But this represents a clear step up in competition for Hooker, and unless he continues to improve even from his recent victories, Poirier should be able to get a finish sometime in the late rounds.
Undercard: Perry Favored Over Gall in Co-Main Event
In the co-main event, Mike Perry (13-6) and Mickey Gall (6-2) face off in an interesting welterweight clash that could end very early. Perry (-340 at William Hill) has the knockout power to finish the fight with one blow, and Gall (+270) is aggressive enough to step right into one of those punches. But if Gall can actually turn this into a grappling contest, the submission specialist should have a chance to pull off the upset.
Further down on the card, middleweight prospect Brendan Allen (-300) takes on the undefeated Kyle Daukaus (+240), while Gian Villante (+190) makes his debut at heavyweight against the veteran kickboxer Maurice Greene (-230).
The main card kicks off with a featherweight bout between undefeated prospect Sean Woodson (-490) and Julian Erosa (+370), a late replacement who has bounced between smaller promotions and the UFC, decisively losing his last three bouts win the promotion.
Related News Articles
Sports Betting Legalization as Polarizing as National Politics, New Poll Finds
College Football Playoff Odds Set, Alabama Crimson Tide Heavy Favorite
Most Popular
This Pizza & Wings Costs $653 at Allegiant VIP Box in Vegas!
Sphere Threat Prompts Dolan to End Oak View Agreement
Fairfax County Officials Say No NoVA Casino in Affluent Northern Virginia
Atlantic City Casinos Experience Haunting October as Gaming Win Falls 8.5%
Most Commented
-
VEGAS MYTHS RE-BUSTED: Casinos Pump in Extra Oxygen
November 15, 2024 — 4 Comments— -
VEGAS MYTHS RE-BUSTED: The Final Resting Place of Whiskey Pete
October 25, 2024 — 3 Comments—
No comments yet