January 23 begins the UFC PPV year with the sport's biggest star headlining the event when UFC 257 rings the bell on Fight Island with Conor McGregor (-275) and Dustin Poirier (+215) clashing in the octagon for the second time!
Don't get it twisted, this is no one-man show, McGregor is just the tip of the iceberg in what is a stacked main card for you to set your UFC betting plays.
Let's take a look at the Main Card for this incredible event. Remember to check Skybook Sportsbook Online for the latest and best UFC Odds! Create your account today to receive a bonus on your deposit.
#8 Marina Rodriguez (+247) vs. #9 Amanda Ribas (-317) - Strawweight
Rodriguez is 12-1 with five KOs and one submission. She came into the UFC via the Dana White Contender Series, and she has victories over the likes of Tecia Torres. Ranked #8 in the division, Marina Rodriguez wants a way back to victory after a split decision loss to Carla Esparza.
As for #9 strawweight Ribas, she's 10-1, riding on a five-fight win streak, finishing three of them, the last sending Paige VanZant out of the UFC after an armbar in less than one round. A win from Ribas can put her into the top 5 of the division. It's a crucial fight for both.
#12 Shane Burgos (-192) vs. Hakeem Dawodu (+152) - Featherweight
Shane Burgos is one of the most exciting fighters at 145, but his train got derailed by Josh Emmett last year. Now, with a 13-2 record, with 10 stoppages, Burgos looks to get back on track.
A black belt under Daniel Schulmann's MMA gym, Burgos is a complete fighter, with five KOs and five submissions to his name, he's a tough night out.
On the other side, Hakeem Dawodu is looking to enter into the top 15 and has won his last five fights, although three of them by split decision, a successful crack at Burgos would put him in the ranks for sure.
#6 Jessica Eye (-105) vs. #7 Joanne Calderwood (-125) - Flyweight
This is a huge fight, with high stakes up for grabs. Both of these fighters want to get in the flyweight elite. Jessica Eye wants to get back into title contention. Eye (15-8-1) is an agile striker with great takedown defense and can move very quickly on her feet. After being KOd by Valentina Shevchenko on her title fight, Eye is 1-1 and needs to gain some momentum to be considered for another shot again.
As for Calderwood, she's 14-5 and is a cardio machine that compliments her Muay Thai-based style incredibly well. She can pressure her rival comfortably and consistently. However, losing two of her last three fights is not getting her closer to the belt, she needs to make a stand vs. a former contender in Eye and impress.
#6 Dan Hooker (-170) vs. Michael Chandler (+140) - Lightweight
It's Dan 'The Hangman' Hooker the one to welcome Michael Chandler into the UFC octagon in a highly-anticipated matchup in the wide-open 155 division. This can be an early fight of the year candidate, that's how good this fight is.
Hooker (20-9) was on a path to getting a title fight until he got beat by Dustin Poirier in one of the best fights you'll ever see. With 17 stoppages, 10 due to KO, and seven submissions, there is no doubt that Hooker is elite and powerful.
With wins over Al Iaquinta, Gilbert Burns, James Vick, and Paul Felder, the Hangman has traded blows with the best of them.
Chandler (21-5) was the hottest free agent in the market, and it just so happens to be a lightweight. The UFC just inserted him into the most stacked division of them all; it's his turn to prove he belongs.
The Bellator product has 16 wins by stoppage and multiple world titles to his name; now it's his time to get into the big leagues. Chandler may not have yet fought in the UFC, but he has a big resume on his win charts.
He has victories over Eddie Alvarez, Patricky Freire, and Benson Henderson (twice) in his career, two of them former UFC champions. Chandler is also coming with a two-fight win streak with two knockout victories. Expect a helluva fight.
#4 Conor McGregor (-275) vs. #2 Dustin Poirier (+215) - Lightweight
The Notorious McGregor is back! And boy, do we have an incredible fight in our hands in the rematch vs. Dustin Poirier. Yes, these two faced each other ages ago, and plenty has changed.
First, while McGregor was already making a name for himself, Poirier was barely making his name known. Now, none of them are featherweights, and both have changed immensely.
McGregor is the sport's biggest star, despite only fighting three times since November 2016. As for Poirier, he became an interim champion and has a 10-2-1 record since then, establishing him as an elite lightweight in the process.
This is a war, and the blood will be the battleline, there's no doubt about it. Both are clinical strikers, but McGregor will still like the bout to stay on the feet, while Poirier knows he has an advantage on the ground, but still has the tools to trade blows with Conor.
Check the best UFC Betting odds here at Skybook, don't miss betting on this great UFC 257 card.