UFC on FUEL TV 7 Wembley Arena in London, England Saturday, February 16, 2013 Featherweight Fight: Dustin Poirier (-145) vs. Cub Swanson (+105) Fight Breakdown: Featherweight contenders Dustin Poirier and Cub Swanson clash in the co-main event of UFC on FUEL TV 7 and the winner will be in prime position to fight for the 145lb strap. Poirier opened as a -145 favorite (bet $145 to win $100), while the comeback on Swanson was (+105), but it should be noted the public bet Swanson early and now he’s the favorite. Poirier (13-2) was one fight away from fighting for the UFC featherweight championship but was submitted by Chan Sung Jung in a massive upset. Since then Poirier has picked up a big win over Jonathan Brookins to put him back on track, and after Dennis Siver got injured Poirier stepped up on short notice to fight Swanson and try to continue moving his way back up the ladder. Poirier is a very solid fighter in all areas on MMA, but he’s especially slick with his submissions and has six tapouts to his credit (along with five knockouts). The 24-year-old is one of the most exciting featherweights in the division so expect fireworks against Swanson. Swanson (18-5) is really hitting his peak, having won three-straight fights with knockouts over Charles Oliveira, Ross Pearson, and George Roop. A member of Team Jackson – Winkeljohn, Swanson is a true finisher with seven knockouts and seven submissions to his credit and he’s one of the hottest fighters in MMA right now. He will surely have the advantage on the feet against Poirier, who leaves way too many openings in the standup, and if he’s able to find Poirier’s chin then he will have a good chance at a knockout. However, if the fight hits the ground then Poirier will definitely be in the driver’s seat, so Swanson needs to do everything to avoid the takedown and keep this fight on the feet. Fight Prediction: I think this is going to be an absolute barn burner of a fight. I expect both men to come out very aggressive on the feet, and although Poirier will hold his own for a while, I think eventually Swanson is able to catch him. He’ll find an opening and capitalize, knocking out Poirier and moving up the featherweight ladder. Adam’s Pick: Cub Swanson via TKO (click for latest MMA odds) Adam’s Recommended Play: I really like the way Cub Swanson has looked in his last three fights and I feel like he is hitting the peak of his career right now. Poirier is a talented fighter but he leaves too many holes in the standup and Swanson has major power. Even though he’s been bet up to -120 and is now the favorite, I still like Swanson for a bet here and I would also consider looking at the T/KO prop if it’s at decent + money.
