The UFC Apex in Las Vegas appears to be predominately ruling the UFC roost and has had fight fan’s attention solely of late, for the 130,000 square-foot, state of the art facility has hosted the past trio of mouth-watering fights, including Curtis Blaydes’ win last weekend over a tough Volkov.
The Apex is not finished yet with its hosting supremacy, with Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier preparing to tangle with Dan ‘The Hangman’ Hooker in this weekend’s blockbuster lightweight main event. With the globe’s sporting events slowly returning to normality, Bet Today USA has you covered with all the latest UFC predictions, UFC parlay calculator odds and some exciting MMA picks.
Main Event: Dustin Poirier (-200) Vs. Dan Hooker (+162)
The main lightweight event between Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker has fight fans frothing at the mouth. The lightweight battle was due to be rolled out on May 16, but because of the health implications due to the pandemic, the two fighters were forced to delay the fight until June 27.
It’s been nine months since Dustin Poirier has felt the canvas of the Octagon beneath his feet after the striking artist left the ring with the sour taste of defeat in his mouth failing to wrestle the lightweight championship strap off the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Nevertheless, Poirier has an exceptional fight record and was on an impressive five-fight win streak before the Khabib loss. Poirier’s win streak included three via stoppage, one majority decision and the last capped off with a phenomenal unanimous victory over Max Holloway for the lightweight interim title.
Meanwhile, New Zealander Dan Hooker enters the UFC final event of the month riding a wave of momentum with some fine form to demonstrate. Hooker, the No. 5 ranked contender, is on a three-fight winning rampage with his only loss coming against UFC veteran Edson Barbosa at the end of 2018.
‘The Hangman’ has shown a remarkable amount of strength and determination after shaking off a TKO loss to the Brazilian in 2018, carving out three convincing wins against James Vick, Al Iaquinta and Paul Felder. With only Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje and champion Nurmagomedov ahead of him in the rankings, a win against a stalwart Poirier will slingshot him into contention for a title shot.
Dustin Poirier’s Strengths and Fight Style
Dustin Poirier has some incredible striking power, with pinpoint precision the American can land a combination of silky strikes that have some lethal power behind them. His strikes and punch power have proven that it can send an opponent flailing across the Octagon stumbling around searching for their balance.
The Southpaw is consistent with pressure and has a kicking element to his game which possesses some danger. ‘The Diamond’ is a delight to watch in the eight walls of death and has a herculean build which compliments his dangerous strike game. Poirier’s floor game is not one of his strengths opting to trade standing, but he will be wary after an exhausting exchange on the floor with Khabib previously where ultimately, he succumbed to defeat.
Dan Hooker’s Strengths and Fight Style
Like a plethora of fighters coming out of the Land of the Long White Cloud, Hooker has spent time perfecting his Muay Thai in conjunction with Kickboxing. Hooker is gifted with both reach and power and utilizes these tools with an aggressive, stalking style. Hooker’s main offensive weapon will be his calf kick, which disables opponents and provides the Kiwi with the chance to rain down a barrage of punches.
Mickey Gall (+220) Vs. Mike Perry (-286)
Mike Perry is preparing to do battle against Mickey Gall in the Co-Main Event of the evening and this Welterweight bout is sure to put some fire into the bellies of the fight fans. Mike Perry is coming into this with a 13-6-0 record and will be fighting for the first time since his loss via TKO against Geoff Neal at UFC 245: Usman Vs. Covington.
Although this fight holds no major title implications, Perry will be going into this fight eager to avoid a third straight loss. Perry first suffered a split decision loss to Vicente Luque in a close brawl, shortly after falling victim to a first-round TKO at the hands of Geoff Neal. ‘Platinum’ has never found himself in the three-fight skid realms and it’s safe to say he will be doing everything in his power to avoid it.
Mickey Gall will be looking to capitalize on his recent form after a unanimous decision over Salim Touahri back in August 2019. The Touahri win was much needed for the New Jersey-born black belt after coming off a beatdown at the hands of Diego Sanchez in 2019. Gall is viewed as a more rounded fighter than Perry, with a wrestling background all the while demonstrating his comfort for striking, takedowns and floor supremacy.
Perry is seen as the favorite down to the fact he has a wealth of experience and has dynamite in his hands. Opponents should not underestimate the 28-year-old, as he can finish a fight at the drop of a hat if he is given the chance. This match-up guarantees a slugfest with both fighters capable of exerting tremendous amounts of power.
MAIN CARD
Main Event
- Dustin Poirier vs. Dan HookerCo-Main Event
- Mickey Gall vs. Mike PerryBrendan Allen vs. Ian Heinisch
Maurice Greene vs. Gian Villante
Aspen Ladd vs. Sara McMann
PRELIMINARY CARD
Viviane Araujo vs. Jennifer Maia
Luis Pena vs. Khama Worthy
Tanner Boser vs. Philipe Lins
Alexa Grasso vs. Ji Yeon Kim
Kyle Nelson vs. Sean Woodson