NEWARK, NJ — Dustin Poirier is known as the greatest UFC fighter to never hold an uncontested championship, and Islam Makhachev defeated him in the fifth round to retain the lightweight title at UFC 302 at the Prudential Centre.
Makhachev had to contend with a determined opponent who tried to dethrone UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in front of a crowd that wanted Poirier to succeed.
Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) would gladly play villain and dream destroyer tonight.
In 4½ rounds, Poirier resisted takedowns, evaded submissions, and lifted himself when things looked terrible. Makhachev finally found Poirier in a scramble with a brilliant ankle pick, snatching a d’arce choke and taping out at 2:42 in the final stanza.
“He did very good,” tired Makhachev stated. “He defended my takedown and gave me a hard time.”
Makhachev passed his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson with the longest lighterweight UFC victory streak at 13.
Arman Tsarukyan is next in line for a title, but Makhachev wants to jump to welterweight to contend for a second crown.
Makhachev, 32, stated, “I want to fight for a second belt.” “Defending the belt is different. I need one new. This is my hope.”
Poirier (30-9 MMA, 22-8 UFC) failed to win gold on his third attempt. There were rumours he may retire if he lost. Poirier didn’t commit in his postfight interview.
“I know I can compete with the rest of these guys, but if I do, am I fighting just to fight?” Louisiana-born Poirier, 35. I have a daughter and a family, but I must see what’s next. This may be it.”
Makhachev was pushed harder than ever in his UFC career by a brave Poirier and bore the damage on his face while the audience roared.
Poirier was sent down seconds into the bout, which was terrible. Makhachev pursued a kimura submission, but Poirier escaped. Makhachev slowly worked Poirier over with strikes and a body triangle after Poirier gave up his back. Poirier held off Makhachev’s choke attempts as a frightened audience prayed for his survival. The spectators roared in the last seconds of the opening round. Makhachev pulled down Poirier’s leg kick to start the second frame. As a sellout crowd of 17,834 chanted for Poirier, he escaped the takedown attempt. Poirier won a striking fight, but Makhachev held his own against the lightweight division’s knockout leader. Poirier landed hooks.
Makhachev had Poirier on the mat early in the third and placed himself in a body triangle for another choke. As the champion mounted, the arena fell silent as it looked the finish was near. Poirier escaped again and shouted at Makhachev when the bout resumed, blood streaming from his nose.
In the fourth round, Poirier survived repeated takedowns and cut Makhachev with a quick elbow to the forehead.
Down on the judges’ scorecard, Poirier needed a finish and hit a flush straight right hand in the final round. Makhachev returned to his speciality and got clever with another takedown. This one surprised Poirier since the ankle pick exposed the challenger. Makhachev grabbed a d’arce choke and squeezed with Poirier’s neck exposed to finish.
Source ; ESPN News
