The champion remains at the top of the rankings after UFC 302. Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight title in a hard-fought battle against Dustin Poirier in Saturday night's main event in Newark, New Jersey. Makhachev extended his winning streak to 14 with a surprise D'Arce choke in the fifth round.
Poirier fought bravely despite the loss. The Louisiana native lost in his third attempt to become champion, but he put in perhaps his best performance in a title fight to date. Poirier kept Makhachev at bay throughout the bout, and the fight was evenly matched on the stand. Despite being taken on the back in the first round, Poirier kept his cool and defended well, but was unable to defend against the final choke when Makhachev lunged in and knocked him out.
As he has done all week, Poirier continued to hint at retirement after the fight, noting that this may be the last time we see him in the Octagon. “The Diamond” will be remembered as one of the best fighters in boxing history to never win absolute gold.
Elsewhere on the card, Shawn Strickland secured his place in the title race with a win over Paulo Costa in the co-main event. Strickland controlled the entire bout, making the split decision distinction somewhat misleading. The former champion demanded a title bout next after failing to get an immediate rematch with Dricus du Plessis following his January loss. Additionally, Kevin Holland submitted veteran Michal Oleksiejczuk with an armbar that appeared to break his opponent's arm.
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UFC 302 fight card, odds
- Islam Makhachev (c) defeated Dustin Poirier by 5th round submission (D'Arce choke).
- Sean Strickland defeats Paulo Costa Split decision (46-49, 50-45, 49-46)
- Kevin Holland defeats Michal Oleksiejczuk 1st round submission (armbar)
- Niko Price defeats Alex Morono by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Randy Brown defeats Elizeu Zaleski by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Roman Kopylov defeats Cesar Almeida by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
- Jairton Almeida defeats Alexander Romanov by first round submission (rear-naked choke)
- Grant Dawson defeats Joe Solecki by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
- Jake Matthews defeats Phil Rowe by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
- Basil Hafez defeats Mickey Gall by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Ailyn Perez wins. Jocelyn Edwards wins via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Andre Lima defeats Mitch Raposo by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
