Islam Makhachev proved why he was the best pound-for-pound fighter in the promotion with what was arguably the most dangerous fight of his time as the lightweight champion of the UFC.
In a battle that appeared to be going against him in the later stages, the Russian upset UFC veteran Dustin Poirier via submission in the fifth round to retain his title. He controlled the majority of the fight from the ground, but by the end of the fifth round, he had been stuffed on many takedown attempts and had a nasty gash across his forehead.
The best in the world 😮💨@MAKHACHEVMMA remains the lightweight champion with a submission victory! #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/LpSwj8PH0T
— UFC (@ufc) June 2, 2024
When Makhachev put Poirier down in the opening round and spent the next four minutes searching for an arm triangle or choke hold, it appeared like the entire endeavor would be much easier. Poirier repelled all of those attempts and, in the second round, began to establish himself. Although Makhachev has shown to be nearly tough to defeat on the ground, Poirier withstood his considerable momentum and delivered some powerful blows to maintain a level fight.
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Poirier emerged victorious in the fifth round, with the Newark audience at the Prudential Center solidly rooting for the American underdog. With a D’Arce choke, Makhachev put an end to that menace, and soon Poirier was asleep or near unconsciousness on the floor, being surrounded by his corner.
Makhachev, who stated he would like to battle for Leon Edwards’ UFC welterweight title next, put on yet another incredible show of inventiveness and skill. Now, Makhachev has made three successful belt defenses, the other two being against Alexander Volkanovski.
It’s my fantasy. My desire is to compete for the second belt. It’s not the same when you defend your belt, so I want to feel that energy again. I need a new one, “Makhach said.
A true legend 💎#UFC302 | @DustinPoirier pic.twitter.com/4eBwM2oNDp
— UFC (@ufc) June 2, 2024
Regarding Poirier, the 35-year-old stated he wasn’t quite 100% yet but that he was seriously considering retiring. This was his third attempt to win the lightweight title; his previous two bouts ended in submission defeats to Charles Oliveira and Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was Makhachev’s supporter on Saturday.
“What will I fight for if I start fighting again? Only to engage in combat? I don’t know; I’ve done that fifty times,” Poirier remarked. I need to see my little kid, who I adore. To be honest, I think this might be it.”
This is the complete flow of the UFC 302 card. If you enjoy decisions being made about who wins—some with quite enigmatic rulings from the judges—it was an excellent night.