In a thrilling UFC 302 headliner at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Makhachev defeated the resilient Dustin Poirier with a fifth-round submission (D’Arce choke) to retain his lightweight world championship.
The Islam vs. Dustin fight, broadcast live on pay-per-view Saturday night, highlighted Makhachev’s unmatched skills and relentless drive. Poirier’s grit was no match for Makhachev’s technique, cementing him as the true grappling legend!
While Makhachev was swarmed by his team for celebration post-victory, Poirier left a final message for his fans, leaving them in anticipation of retirement. He dedicated his fight to the women in his life:
“If this is my last fight, I wanted to dedicate this journey to the people who made me the man I am.”
On the other hand, in an interesting turn of events, Sean Strickland defeated Paulo Costa via a split decision in the co-main event. The 33-year-old marked his first win after his loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 292. While it was a dull five-round fight, Sean secured the win by scores of 46-49, 50-45, 49-46 with a kick-heavy fight. Sean addressed the media post-fight saying:
“It was a boring fight, sorry guys,” Strickland said. “That Brazilian goes backward fast.”
As the thrilling night ended with victorious players and memorable performances, let’s relive the excitement of the fights and analyse them in detail.
Stay connected with RDX Sports for an in-depth breakdown of the Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier fight and other UFC 302 results.
UFC 302 Results
- Main Event UFC 302 (Lightweight Title): Islam Makhachev defeated Dustin Poirier via fifth-round submission (D’Arce choke)
- Co-Main Event 302 (Middleweight Bout): Sean Strickland defeated Paulo Costa via split decision (46-49, 50-45, 49-46)
- Middleweight Bout: Kevin Holland defeated Michal Oleksiejczuk via first-round submission (armbar)
- Welterweight Bout: Niko Price defeated Alex Morono via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Welterweight Bout: Randy Brown defeated Elizeu Zaleski via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
UFC 302: Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier Play-by-Play
In the brutal fight, Islam managed to retain his belt against Dustin Poirier and catapulted his winning streak to a massive number of 14. With a nasty D’Arce choke in the fifth round that seemed to come out of nowhere, the American was forced to submit.
In his third attempt towards the title, Poirier put up his best performance and fought Makhachev on even terms. However, he just failed to come up with a defence strong enough not to leave him out in the cold. The valiant efforts and the long stretches just couldn’t lead “The Diamond” to attain the lightweight world title.
Currently, Islam boasts an impressive record of 26-1-0, whereas Dustin has descended to 30-9-0, 1NC, with the current loss. Continuing to tease retirement, Poirier might be one of the best fighters in the promotional history never to win the undisputed gold.
Let’s have a detailed look at their fight through the rounds:
Islam vs Dustin Round-1
As the introductions are made, Makhachev lands the left-right combinations and takes Poirier down within the first minute. From half guard, Makhachev unleashes some ground and pound. Poirier attempts to scramble, but this allows Makhachev to take his back and secure a body triangle, gaining control of Poirier’s body. Despite Poirier’s efforts to punch back, which causes a cut over Makhachev’s left eye, Makhachev maintains his position. However, he didn’t do enough to earn a 10-8 round.
Islam vs Dustin Round-2
The first round was all Makhachev and the champ getting a cut on his left eye. Poirier lands a leg kick, making Makhachev go for another takedown, but Poirier defends it well. Makhachev lands a knee and a compact elbow, followed by a right hand. Poirier evades a leg grab to stay upright. Makhachev then throws a left-right combination to distract Poirier before slamming him against the Octagon. Poirier shows strong takedown defence, blocking three attempts. Makhachev finally secures a takedown with under 10 seconds left. Despite Poirier’s improvements, Makhachev still dominates the round.
Islam vs Dustin Round-3
Poirier swings and misses, taking a knee to the face. Makhachev lands another knee and secures a takedown within the first minute, taking Poirier’s back and working for a choke. Poirier escapes and gets to his feet, greeted by the crowd’s roar despite bleeding from his face. They trade punches, with Makhachev landing solid shots while Poirier shakes his head in defiance. Poirier struggles with vision, possibly due to blood. Makhachev wins the round, but Poirier shows resilience and determination, giving himself a chance for a fight-changing moment. They tap gloves in respect at the round’s end.
Islam vs Dustin Round-4
Poirier counters with an uppercut to the body and defends against a takedown attempt. He starts pressuring Makhachev, who struggles to secure another takedown. Makhachev lands a right hand followed by a left, then attempts another takedown, pinning Poirier against the Octagon. Halfway through the round, Makhachev continues to pursue the takedown, but Poirier defends well. Eventually, Makhachev secures the takedown. Poirier quickly switches position and escapes, landing shots to Makhachev’s body. Makhachev is now bleeding from his forehead. Poirier finishes strong, earning him the round. Heading into the final round, Poirier needs a knockout to win.
Islam vs Dustin Round-5
Both fighters start the final round aggressively, exchanging strikes. Makhachev attempts a single-leg takedown, but Poirier defends it and verbally expresses his defiance. Poirier then lands a solid left hand. Makhachev manages to ankle pick Poirier down, but Poirier escapes. Makhachev transitions to a guillotine choke, which doesn’t work, but he quickly switches to a D’Arce choke, locking it in tightly. Poirier taps out, giving Makhachev the victory.
UFC 302 Results: Sean Strickland vs Paulo Costa
Although the fight wasn’t particularly exciting for the audience, it worked well in favour of Strickland, who got his hand raised via split decision. Strickland began with a heavy streak of kicks, disrupting Costa’s timing.
However, Costa’s calf kicks had welted Strickland’s left leg. With almost no shots to head after one round, Strickland scored a big one in round 2 with a stiff jab, which knocked Costa to the canvas. Nonetheless, Costa sprung back to his feet. While Cost achieved more success with his early kicks, Strickland’s kicks had a greater impact in the last round.
The fight slackened in the last two rounds. Strickland managed to score another knockdown in the closing seconds despite his head kick being mostly blocked. After a boring fight, Strickland took the win with 46-49, 50-45, 49-46.
UFC 302 Results: Kevin Holland vs Michal Oleksiejczuk
In his middleweight bout, Kevin Holland ended a two-fight losing streak and caused Michal Oleksiejczuk’s arm to break. Despite being knocked down early in the fight by a powerful left hand from Michal Oleksiejczuk, Holland quickly turned the tables.
He managed to grab Oleksiejczuk’s right arm while on the ground and applied a strong armbar submission hold. Referee Herb Dean stopped the fight just 94 seconds in, as it seemed that Holland had either broken or dislocated Oleksiejczuk’s arm with the submission hold.
Oleksiejczuk, who has now lost three of his last four fights, strongly disagreed with the referee’s decision to stop the fight even though his right arm was hanging limply. For Holland, this win was typical of his unpredictable UFC career, where it is normal for him to score big wins and even bigger defeats.
UFC 302 Results: Niko Price vs. Alex Morono
Niko Price outperformed a fatigued Alex Morono in a three-round bout, securing a unanimous decision victory at UFC 302.
Although not a visually stunning performance, Price exhibited superior conditioning and striking ability over the 15-minute fight. Morono visibly struggled to keep up, barely able to defend himself by the end of the match. Price claimed victory, with all three judges scoring the fight 29-28 in his favour.
UFC 302 Results: Randy Brown vs. Elizeu Zaleski
Randy Brown faced a tough challenge on the ground but managed to land two powerful knee strikes. One of these caused a significant cut on Elizeu Zaleski, helping Brown secure a unanimous decision victory at UFC 302.
Despite a shaky moment in the second round when Zaleski nearly caught him in a submission hold, Brown dominated much of the fight with strong offence. All three judges scored the contest 29-28 in Brown’s favour, marking his third consecutive win.
Brown is now seeking to face another experienced welterweight, anticipating an exciting stand-up battle.
Final Word
UFC 302 delivered a night of thrilling fights and memorable moments. Islam Makhachev’s dominant victory over Dustin Poirier showcased his skills and cemented his status as the lightweight world champion.
On the other hand, Sean Strickland’s win over Paulo Costa, though not the most exciting, marked an important victory in his career. While other stars showed their tenacity and skill, the night was full of impressive performances!
