Lightweights Dustin Poirier and Benoit Saint-Denis will fight on March 9 as the co-main event behind Sean O'Malley vs Marlon Vera. Currently the odds favor the American, Dustin, in the Poirier vs Saint-Denis odds.
After a wicked headkick KO victory at UFC 295, Saint-Denis is a -220 favorite over Poirier (+180), who's coming off a tough knockout loss last July.
Of note, this fight is scheduled for five rounds.
Dustin Poirier vs Benoit Saint-Denis Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Dustin Poirier | +180 |
| Benoit Saint-Denis | -220 |
Odds as of Mar. 9
Our odds calculator suggests Saint-Denis' -220 status awards him a 68.75% implied chance of victory, with a $100 bet paying out $145.45. At +180, Poirier gets a 35.71% chance and a $100 bet cashes $270.
How To Watch UFC 299
- Date/Time: March 9, 6 p.m. ET
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Arena: Kaseya Center
- Where to Watch: ESPN+, PPV
How To Bet Poirier vs Saint-Denis
The oddsmakers are high on Saint-Denis, opening with the 28-year-old as a moderate favorite over Poirier. There's reason to believe the Frenchman's hype is real, too.
Beyond a decision loss in his UFC debut, Saint-Denis has fought like a man possessed, demonstrating wrestling strength, striking acumen, and a penchant for violent finishes. All five of Saint-Denis' wins have come inside the distance, putting the momentum heavily in his favor.
"The Diamond" will be backpedaling in this fight, but that doesn't mean he's toast. Dustin can take a beating (see his bout vs Michael Chandler at UFC 281), though he'll need to rely on fight IQ to stay alive. Poirier is excellent at keeping to his fundamentals under pressure, and he'll have windows for countershots vs Saint-Denis.
Poirier vs Saint-Denis Pick
I'm torn on this fight. In MMA, it's wise to get ahead of the curve with ailing fighters, though I'm not certain Poirier is there yet.
Here's the issue: this is a five-round fight. I have faith in The Diamond keeping Saint-Denis at bay for three rounds, but 25 minutes? Oof, Madone.
Sorry, Dustin. I'm taking Saint-Denis straight up and the UNDER 3.5 rounds.
