Islam Makhachev submitted Dustin Poirier in an historic world title fight at the Prudential Center on Saturday night.
The Russian spoiled the party as the headliner at UFC 302 on an historic night in his own career as fans clamoured to see Poirier finally complete his story. His American rival had lost his previous two efforts at undisputed lightweight gold, but clawed his way back into contention.
Poirier gave a solid account of himself as his defensive wrestling allowed him ample opportunity to strike. But he struggled to get off significant offence due to the fear of the takedown, which found him almost at will early on.
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Islam Makhachev submits Dustin Poirier in final round of UFC 302 event
Islam Makhachev managed to get Dustin Poirier down within minutes of their first round, landing a big takedown and controlling proceedings on the ground. The American had been testing out some big kicks, but was instantly taken down at the first time of asking.
The champion was cut early by a right hand from Poirier, but completely dominated with body control as the pair grappled through the first. After getting back to his feet from a takedown in the opening seconds of round two, Poirier managed to find himself in a standup situation.
And after refusing to be taken down again, Poirier managed to land a number of big shots during exchanges in the clinch and as the pair met in the middle. Ultimately, he finished the round on his back after being taken down, but no damage was done from the position.
The third saw Makhachev get it to the ground again as he imposed his will with an impressive show of body manipulation and strength. But with two minutes to go in the round Poirier found his way up again, much to the delight of the Newark crowd.
As the pair headed to the championship rounds, the underdog managed to stuff a number of takedowns, although he ended up down regardless. But as Poirier once again made his way back to the feet and ripped his rival’s body, the champion was cut on his forehead.
Much to the surprise of many, the fight made it all the way to the fifth as Poirier pushed for the finish. But when Makhachev got him down one last time, he was forced to tap while passing out under a D’arce choke in his final effort at UFC gold.
Islam Makhachev lands spot in the record books with win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302
Makhachev’s win was his third defence of the UFC lightweight title, landing him a spot atop the list of most defences in the division. He tied the record currently held by his teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov alongside Frankie Edgar, BJ Penn and Benson Henderson.
Penn set the record as far back as 2009, and despite years of lightweight title fights since, it has never been shattered. Edgar and Henderson came close, before a number of title changes in the modern era before Nurmagomedov’s arrival at the top table.
The Russian defended against Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje and even Poirier in a dominant career that saw him go 29-0. But he retired at the peak of his powers due to a request from his mother, and never got that fourth defence.
Khabib Nurmagomedov returns to the corner for UFC 302 main event
After hanging up his gloves, Nurmagomedov decided to take up coaching; with Makhachev his particular protege. He cornerered his teammate for years while still fighting, and was able to dedicate his time solely to helping him bring the belt back to Dagestan.
But at the start of 2023, the former champion took a further step back from the sport as he opted to spend more time with his family. This meant that he was absent from both of Makhachev’s corners against Alexander Volkanovski.
However, Makhachev announced his return at the start of this week, and his instructions could be heard from cageside alongside head coach Javier Mendez. Nurmagomedov has been hailed as a potentially great coach after an iconic career in the cage himself.