Two of the world’s best lightweights kick off the UFC’s summer season.
UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev defends his title for a third time, his first against a longtime lightweight and one of the greatest of the conversation in Dustin Poirier. Aiming to shine bright like a diamond, Louisiana’s former interim champion looks to make good on what’s likely his last attempt to take home undisputed status and finish his coveted story.
Makhachev carries the torch for retired champ and teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov, who submitted Poirier in their 2019 title unification. The 32 year-old from the mountains of Dagestan tries to do the same in Newark, New Jersey in front of a packed Prudential Center.
The time is NOW 🤜 🤛
[ The #UFC302 main event is LIVE now on @ESPNPlus PPV 📺 ] pic.twitter.com/idmhwsuGRm
— UFC (@ufc) June 2, 2024
Round 1:
Makhachev connects with punches and changes levels for a takedown to begin a very bad beginning for Poirier. Makhachev controls Poirier from the top with Poirier’s head right next to the cage. Makhachev attempts a Kimora submission but Poirier manages to escape with Makhachev getting the better of their scramble. Makhachev has the body triangle in on Poirier. Poirier lands a punch as Poirier fights the hands. Makhachev covers the mouth of Poirier.
The champ frustrates the red-faced Poirier from this position. Poirier punches backwards as he braces for a potential ground attack from Makhachev. Poirier lands a few little punches with Makhachev on his back.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Round 2:
Poirier goes to work right away with a kick but so does Makhachev who rushes in for a takedown, one that he doesn’t get, at least, not for long as Poirier sees the fight stay on the feet. Makhachev attempts another takedown with Poirier stuffing that one as well. Makhachev moves in with an elbow. Makhachev tags Poirier. Makhachev continues to land on the challenger.
Makhachev closes the distance and tries for a takedown. Poirier stays on the feet, reversing Makhachev in the clinch. Poirier swings with shots. Poirier fires a right hand. Poirier pours on more strikes. Poirier dirty boxes to the body. Poirier chases down Makhachev, who stands his ground – getting a takedown on Poirier very late in the round.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Poirier
Round 3:
Poirier eats a cutting knee from Makhachev up the middle. Makhachev drags Poirier down to the ground, using the clinch to get there. Makhachev controls Poirier brilliantly up along the cage. Makhachev establishes the body triangle with the fighters now cut off completely from the cage. Makhachev dominates in the grappling department just as the experts predicted.
Poirier eventually sneaks out and onto his feet as the fans roar on. Makhachev lands a clipping right hand. Poirier lands a low leg kick as Makhachev returns with strikes in the pocket. Poirier’s eye appears to be compromised. Poirier pumps out the jab. Poirier keeps the pace until the bell, throwing at Makhachev.
The golden-gloved fighters meet nose to nose after hearing the bell. We got ourselves a fight.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Round 4:
Jab lands for Poirier. Makhachev fires a punch to the body. A glancing shot gets off for Makhachev. Poirier denies a takedown attempt from Makhachev. Poirier sends punches to Makhachev with the champ returning with even more quantity. Makhachev attempts another takedown against the cage, “The Diamond” is eventually downed after an apparent injury to his leg, as noted by the commentary team.
Poirier is able to get Makhachev off his back and punishes him with shots in the clinch and more the fighters exchange in their separation. Makhachev eyes another takedown but Poirier defends with his back against the cage. Round ends, into the fifth round we go.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Makhachev
Round 5:
Makhachev rushes for a takedown which is in turn denied by Poirier. Makhachev lands a knee. Makhachev eats a punch to the body as he tries to get Poirier in the clinch. Punches add up for Makhachev. Knee lands for the champ. Poirier bloodies Makhachev with punches. Makhachev is desperate for a takedown but desperation pays off with Makhachev grabbing top control on the ground. Makhachev attempts a d’arce choke to finish the title challenger’s story by tap out with Poirier going out right after. Islam Makhachev is still the UFC Lightweight Champion of the world.
Official result: Islam Makhachev defeats Dustin Poirier via submission (d’arce choke) in round 5 (2:42)
Check out the highlights below:
POIRIER HYPED UP 🔊 #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/3WOaQsvZWp
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 2, 2024
ISLAM MAKHACHEV SUBMITS DUSTIN POIRIER 😤 #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/8e5OYczFKK
— ESPN (@espn) June 2, 2024
The best in the world 😮💨@MAKHACHEVMMA remains the lightweight champion with a submission victory! #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/LpSwj8PH0T
— UFC (@ufc) June 2, 2024
The P4P number 1 is looking for new challenges 👀#UFC302 | @MAKHACHEVMMA pic.twitter.com/AMfastTDqu
— UFC (@ufc) June 2, 2024
A true legend 💎#UFC302 | @DustinPoirier pic.twitter.com/4eBwM2oNDp
— UFC (@ufc) June 2, 2024
Is this the last we’ll see of Dustin Poirier? Or does “The Diamond” have more fight left in him?
