UFC 236: Holloway vs Poirier 2 Odds and Predictions

• The UFC heads to Atlanta, Georgia on  Saturday, April 13th
• Can Max Holloway become a champ-champ?
• See the odds for all fights at UFC 236

The UFC is heading to Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, April 13th for UFC 236.

In the main event, UFC featherweight champion, Max Holloway is moving up in weight to rematch Dustin Poirier for the interim lightweight belt. In the co-main event, the interim middleweight championship is on the line as Israel Adesanya takes on Kelvin Gastelum.

The main card is live on pay-per-view starting at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier Odds

*All odds taken 04/07/19

Fight Record and Recent History

Holloway (20-3) is riding a 13-fight winning streak with his last loss coming against Conor McGregor back in 2013. Since then, Holloway has beaten the likes of Andre Fili, Jeremy Stephens, Cub Swanson, Anthony Pettis, Jose Aldo, twice, and most recently Brian Ortega.

Holloway (20-3) is riding a 13-fight winning streak with his last loss coming against Conor McGregor back in 2013.

Holloway is arguably the greatest featherweight of all-time and after clearing out the division, he moves up to rematch Poirier where the two fought back in 2012. There, Holloway was making his UFC debut on short notice and lost the fight by submission in the first round.

Poirier (24-5, and one no-contest) has been beating former champions as of late. He is riding a five-fight non-losing streak, as one fight was a no-contest against former champion Eddie Alvarez. Poirier has beaten the likes of Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, Anthony Pettis, Yancy Medeiros, and a young Max Holloway, as mentioned. He does, however, hold losses against McGregor, Michael Johnson, and Cub Swanson, among others.

Holloway vs Poirier Tale of the Tape

Both fighters are as about high-level striking as you can get. In Holloway’s last fight against Brian Ortega, the Hawaiian made UFC history with the most significant strikes landed in a fight in 290. As well, he also averages 6.9 significant strikes thrown per minute which is the highest among UFC featherweights.

Poirier, meanwhile, averages 7.1 significant strikes thrown per minute which is the highest among UFC lightweights. The two will be throwing shots at each other but what it may come down to is can Poirier get Holloway to the ground.

The champion has amazing takedown defense and if the fight stays standing, Holloway has a slight advantage given the fact he hasn’t shown he gets tired. Holloway has insane cardio and will get his hand raised at the end of the night to become a champ-champ.

Pick: Max Holloway (-200)

Israel Adesanya vs Kelvin Gastelum Odds

Fight Record and Recent History

Adesanya (16-0) had an incredible calendar year. He had his first fight in the UFC in February 2018 where he beat Rob Wilkinson by TKO. He then beat Marvin Vettori and Brad Tavares by decision. Then in November in Madison Square Garden, Adesanya knocked out Derek Brunson in the first round to set him up to fight Anderson Silva in February almost to the day of his UFC debut. He went 5-0 and now has a tough task in Kelvin Gastelum.

Gastelum (15-3 and one no-contest) is riding a two-fight winning streak with wins over Jacares Souza and Michael Bisping. Gastelum was supposed to fight Robert Whittaker for the middleweight belt at UFC 234 but when Whittaker had to pull out Gastelum did not fight and now gets to fight for the interim title instead.

Adesanya vs Gastelum Tale of the Tape

Adesanya will no doubt have the reach advantage and the striking advantage. However, if Gastelum is going to win this fight he needs to close the distance early and often and land a big shot early to keep Adesanya at bay. Adesanya is at his best when he is confident and can pull off all his crazy kicks and punches.

Adesanya is at his best when he is confident and can pull off all his crazy kicks and punches.

In the end, the fight will be closer than many think but Adesanya will get his hand raised to set up a fight with Whittaker.

Pick: Israel Adesanya (-151)

The Rest of the UFC 236 Card