Dustin Poirier’s 2021 TKO Loss Fuels UFC 329 Betting Picks

Dustin Poirier delivered a decisive TKO over Conor McGregor on July 10, 2021 at UFC 264, a result that still echoes in the odds and predictions for UFC 329’s main event on July 11, 2026. SportsLine analyst Kyle Marley cites that loss as a benchmark when weighing McGregor’s chances against Max Holloway, noting the Irish fighter’s three‑fight skid since the Poirier bout.

Marley lists McGregor as a -218 underdog against Holloway, a line shaped by the former champion’s recent performance dip. The analyst points to the July 2021 TKO as a turning point that exposed vulnerabilities in McGregor’s striking defense. Those weaknesses, Marley argues, justify the steep odds favoring Holloway, who entered the card with a recent loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326.

Beyond the main event, Marley’s picks ripple through the entire card. He backs Tracy Cortez (-105) over Cong Wang, citing Cortez’s grappling edge-an attribute sharpened by training alongside Poirier’s camp. While Poirier isn’t fighting, his style and preparation methods serve as a reference point for fighters looking to blend striking and ground work.

The July 2021 knockout remains a data point for sportsbooks. Marley’s track record-up $10,000 for followers over three years-leans heavily on historic outcomes like Poirier’s win. Bettors who understand how that fight reshaped McGregor’s trajectory can better gauge value in underdog selections across the card.

While Poirier is not on the UFC 329 lineup, his legacy continues to influence match‑making and analysis. Fans anticipate his next fight, expecting him to leverage the confidence from that TKO. Meanwhile, analysts will watch how his past performance colors future odds, especially as McGregor seeks redemption against Holloway.

**Key takeaway:** Dustin Poirier’s July 10, 2021 TKO over Conor McGregor remains a pivotal reference for UFC 329 odds, shaping expert picks and betting strategies for the July 11, 2026 showdown at T‑Mobile Arena.