UFC 302 saw reigning Lightweight champion of the World Islam Makhachev successfully defend his title against No. 4 Lightweight contender Dustin Poirier inside Prudential Center in New Jersey. This win extends Makhachev’s active win streak in UFC to 14 fights joining Anderson Silva and Kamaru Usman to achieve the feat.
After the fight, Poirier was quick to talk about his future in the post fight interview with Joe Rogan. He said it would be difficult for him to get another title fight soon and fighting in non-title fights is not something he wants to do. “I know I can compete with the best of these guys,” he said.
“It’s just if I do fight again, what am I fighting for? Just to fight? I’ve done that 50 times. I don’t know. I’ve got a little girl I love. I’ve got to see. I think this could be it honestly.”
UFC CEO Dana White, in his post event interview, was quick to acknowledge the Poirier’s achievements in the UFC and said he can stay in the promotion for as long as he wants to.
“I think Dustin coming out of that Saint Denis fight had a lot more confidence than he had going in,” White said. “We put you in these positions to do great things and achieve greatness, and he was that close tonight. It’s up to him ,” he added. “It’s not up to me. He knows what he wants and doesn’t want. He knows how he felt and how he feels right now. Listen, he’s a star he can stay around here as long as he wants to.”
If Poirier does decide to hang up his gloves, he would end his career with an impressive record of 30-8-0, 1NC.
Makhachev v Poirier Fight Review:
The fans in New Jersey were treated to a classic five round battle between the two warriors. Makhachev dominated the first two rounds with his ground game giving Poirier little to no offensive opportunities. Poirier did touch the Russian early in the fight cutting Makhachev at the eyebrow but that did not bother the Champion.
The home favorite did have his moments in the third and fourth round throwing some jabs and uppercuts. Makhachev kept on piling the pressure as he kept shooting for the takedowns and throwing some punches which kept Poirier on his heels.
At the start of the final round, Poirier looked to leave everything in the octagon as he threw hands at Makhachev knowing that he needed a knockout to win the fight. Makhachev took advantage and went for his legs again taking Poirier to the ground.
Islam adjusted his body and locked in the D’Arce choke to which Poirier submitted. He did fell unconscious after the choke but thankfully got up on his feet quickly and the doctors gave him all clear.
Makhachev now eyes be a two division Champion by fighting in the Welterweight division.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
