NEWARK, N.J. — The UFC 302 main event at the Prudential Center delivered one of the most thrilling and memorable nights in recent MMA history, as Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight title against the seasoned and formidable Dustin Poirier. Makhachev’s victory, secured via a d’arce choke in the fifth round, not only extended his winning streak but also cemented his status as one of the sport’s elite fighters. This fight was a testament to both fighters’ resilience, skill, and determination.
UFC 302: Makhachev vs. Poirier
The Path to Victory
Islam Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) entered the octagon as the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, carrying the weight of expectations and the legacy of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Dustin Poirier (30-9 MMA, 22-8 UFC), often regarded as the greatest UFC fighter never to hold an undisputed championship, stood as a formidable challenger, ready to fight for his dream in front of a supportive crowd.
From the onset, it was clear that this fight would be a grueling contest. Makhachev immediately showcased his grappling prowess by taking Poirier down within seconds, chasing a kimura submission. However, Poirier, demonstrating his trademark resilience, managed to escape, even as Makhachev maintained dominant positions. The first round set the tone for the night: Makhachev’s relentless pursuit of submissions against Poirier’s determined defense.
A Battle of Wills
The second round saw Poirier attempting to turn the tide. He opened with a leg kick that Makhachev capitalized on for another takedown. This time, Poirier escaped and engaged in striking exchanges, his forte. Despite Makhachev holding his own, Poirier managed to land significant hooks, igniting the crowd’s hopes. However, Makhachev’s resilience was evident as he absorbed Poirier’s strikes and continued to press forward.
In the third round, Makhachev once again put Poirier on the mat and worked towards securing a choke. Poirier’s escape and return to his feet, bloodied but defiant, was met with roars from the audience. This round highlighted the tenacity of both fighters, with Makhachev’s grappling skills clashing against Poirier’s striking and heart.
The fourth round continued this pattern, with Poirier defending multiple takedown attempts and managing to cut Makhachev with a sharp elbow. Despite being down on the judges’ scorecards, Poirier’s determination to keep fighting was palpable. His resiliency in the face of Makhachev’s relentless pressure kept the audience on edge.
The Final Act
The fifth and final round was a testament to Makhachev’s strategic brilliance and Poirier’s fighting spirit. Needing a finish, Poirier landed a powerful straight right hand. Makhachev, sticking to his strengths, executed an ankle pick that caught Poirier off guard. This maneuver led to the decisive moment of the fight: Makhachev secured a d’arce choke, and despite Poirier’s best efforts, he was forced to tap at 2:42 of the final frame.
Makhachev’s victory, his 13th consecutive in the UFC, not only retained his lightweight title but also surpassed the records of Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson for the longest winning streak in lightweight history. Post-fight, Makhachev expressed his ambition to move to welterweight and challenge for a second belt, aiming to continue his legacy in the sport.
The Future for Poirier
For Dustin Poirier, the loss marked his third failed attempt to capture undisputed gold. Despite rumors of potential retirement, Poirier remained non-committal during his post-fight interview. Reflecting on his future, Poirier highlighted the challenge of balancing his fighting career with his responsibilities to his family. His performance at UFC 302, marked by grit and determination, ensured that his legacy as a fan-favorite and a resilient fighter remains intact.
Main Card Highlights
The main card of UFC 302 also featured several notable fights:
- Sean Strickland secured a split decision victory over Paulo Costa, showcasing his striking prowess and tactical acumen.
- Kevin Holland delivered a quick and decisive win by submitting Michal Oleksiejczuk with an armbar in the first round.
- Niko Price and Randy Brown both earned unanimous decision victories over Alex Morono and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, respectively, in competitive bouts that highlighted their striking and grappling skills.
Conclusion
UFC 302 will be remembered for its main event, where Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier showcased the heart and skill that define the sport of MMA. Makhachev’s victory solidified his status as an all-time great, while Poirier’s performance ensured his legacy as one of the most resilient fighters in UFC history. As the UFC continues to evolve, nights like these remind fans of the raw intensity and drama that make the sport so compelling.
FAQS:
1. Who won the main event at UFC 302?
Islam Makhachev won the main event at UFC 302 by submitting Dustin Poirier with a d’arce choke in the fifth round.
2. What was significant about Islam Makhachev’s victory?
Makhachev’s victory extended his UFC winning streak to 13, surpassing Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson for the longest streak in lightweight history.
3. What are Dustin Poirier’s future plans after his loss at UFC 302?
Poirier remains non-committal about his future plans, indicating he needs to consider his family and career before making any decisions about retirement or continuing to fight.
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