UFC: Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev put up an incredible championship fight performance to cap off a thrilling 12-bout UFC 302 program in Newark, New Jersey. Sean Strickland showed everyone that he still one of the top middleweight fighters in the world in the co-main event. But after Saturday’s card, what will happen to the biggest stars? From New Jersey, Andreas Hale and Brett Okamoto share their parting views.
UFC : Performance By Makhachev
Makhachev successfully defended his lightweight title against Poirier via fifth-round submission. Throughout the evening, Poirier often found himself in unfavorable circumstances, demonstrating that he was more than just a strong opponent. He also shown a steely will.
But unlike his third-round submission defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s trainer, Poirier appeared to grow from his mistakes and find a way out of difficulties.
But there’s a reason Makhachev is presently the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, with some feeling he’s a better version of Nurmagomedov, and he demonstrated it by using his complete toolbox to eventually earn the finish in the final round.
As strong as Poirier’s resolution was, Makhachev’s determination to finish the fight may have been even more outstanding, as he refused to let the bout go to the judges. He only needed to be imaginative in order to do the task. Makhachev experimented with rear-naked chokes and kimuras early on.
Nonetheless, Poirier found ways to battle his way out, even resisting numerous takedowns and pulling himself off the mat when the champion planted him. In a rush, Makhachev went for an ankle pick, which he exploited masterfully to open Poirier’s neck for the finishing sequence that resulted in the choke.
Makhachev delivered a tremendous effort, having to fight Poirier (and a strongly pro-Poirier crowd) to secure his UFC lightweight division-leading 13th consecutive win. While Makhachev may defend his championship against top rival Arman Tsarukyan, he prefers to go to welterweight.
Makhachev is beginning to emerge from Nurmagomedov’s shadow, and a world title in a second weight class would suffice. With his fourth title defense, he now ties his mentor, BJ Penn, and Benson Henderson for the most championship fight victories in lightweight division ever.
“This is my dream. “I want to fight for the second belt,” Makhachev stated. “I want to experience that energy again, because defending your belt isn’t the same. “I need a new one.”
At 32 years old and showing no signs of slowing down, Makhachev has a strong chance of surpassing Nurmagomedov if he continues to be active.
Poirier’s future is uncertain after falling short for the third time in a row when attempting to win undisputed UFC title.
“I know I could compete with the best of these guys,” Poirier remarked. “It’s like, if I fight again, what will I fight for? Just to fight? I’ve done it fifty times. I do not know. I got to see a little child that I adore. “I believe this could be it.”
Poirier is perhaps the finest UFC fighter to never win the undisputed championship, and based on his performance against Makhachev, he looks to have more to offer. The question is if he wants to make the journey to a title bout once more.
If it’s any comfort, Makhachev acknowledges Poirier’s abilities.
“His coach is very effective, and he prepares very well,” Makhachev added. “He defended my takedown and treated me harshly. He is a champion and legend in this sport. “Thanks, Dustin.”
Poirier underlined that he will need to take his time before choosing whether this will be his final bout. While he simply wants to be a champion, he also admits that he is unsure what he will do without fighting. If a UFC undisputed title isn’t in his immediate future, a third bout for the BMF title against Max Holloway might help to alleviate the agony of losing his belt.
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