UFC 303 has finally wrapped and what an event we’ve had. Despite not starting off on the strongest foot, things couldn’t be more exciting by the time we got to the end of the event. That said, Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev clearly had a big role in that.
For those unaware, Islam Makhachev took on Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 302. In what many suspected would be a one-sided affair, ‘The Diamond’ more than held his own against one of the most dominant lightweights in the division’s history. After nearly 5 rounds of back and forth between the two, we finally saw a winner.
The time is NOW 🤜 🤛
[ The #UFC302 main event is LIVE now on @ESPNPlus PPV 📺 ] pic.twitter.com/idmhwsuGRm
— UFC (@ufc) June 2, 2024
Naturally, Islam Makhachev was quick to try and take Dustin Poirier to the ground. Understanding that his wrestling and grappling would be his best attributes in the fight, Makhachev quickly tried to impose his will on Poirier. However, the Louisiana native, who is no stranger to adversity held on and did well to evade Islam’s submission attempts. Not only did he survive, but he also thrived and gave the champ a bloody eye as well.
Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev share a moment of respect after their UFC 302 fight
Despite getting rag-dolled early on, Dustin Poirier showed tremendous heart to get his feet under him and have a proper go at Islam Makhachev. That said, the champ wasn’t going to be outdone on the feet either and made good use of his knees and firm jab. Clearly the swollen eye gave Islam some trouble yet, he managed to comfortably hang on his feet.
Unfortunately, a clash of heads meant that Dustin Poirier started bleeding profusely from his nose as well. Thereafter the two keep trading, but Poirier is seemingly hesitant to commit, at risk of being taken down again. That said, in a moment of magic, Islam grabbed Poirier by the ankle before swinging it to take him down and locking in the D’Arce. After a brief struggle, Dustin tapped, leaving Islam as the winner by submission in Round 5.
The best in the world 😮💨@MAKHACHEVMMA remains the lightweight champion with a submission victory! #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/LpSwj8PH0T
— UFC (@ufc) June 2, 2024
After the win, Khabib Nurmagomedov had a few words of praise for Poirier. Following that, Islam also embraced Dustin as the two shared a moment of respect. Considering their flare-up earlier this week, it was nice to see them bury the hatchet.
These post fight scenes between Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier and Khabib Nurmagomedov are incredible. So much respect on display here.
pic.twitter.com/cRGY8YSEHQ— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) June 2, 2024
“You know what’s crazy Islam? I tapped, and when I tapped you let go, I went out right after you let go. The blood (pointing at his nose) it’s good, it’s good.”
After tapping out, Dustin Poirier briefly lost consciousness as his head slumped to the canvas. Thankfully, he was quickly back to his feet shortly afterward, much to the relief of his family and close ones.
Dustin Poirier seemingly closes the door on his UFC career
All in all, the main event was far from the one-sided affair that many claimed it was going to be. Donning the ‘WAR’ cap on his way to the fight, Dustin Poirier’s performance in the grueling battle with Islam Makhachev embodied just that, as has most of his career. Coming into this one, there was a lot of talk about his potential retirement, and following his loss, the fans waited with bated breath to hear what he had to say.
For the most part, Dustin did not flat-out state that he was ready or willing to retire just yet. Claiming that he is still capable of hanging with the best of the best, Poirier seemed a little indecisive about calling time on his career just yet. Stating that there wasn’t much else to fight for in his career, Dustin still refused to leave his gloves in the Octagon, leaving the door open for a potential return someday.
“…I know I could compete with the best of these guys. It’s just like, if I do fight again, what am I fighting for, just to fight? I’ve done that 50 times. I gotta see, I think this honestly could be it, Joe.”
Further, Poirier stated that if it was to be his last fight, he would like to give his thanks to all the women in his life. Starting with his grandmother, mother, wife, and daughter as they have been the cornerstone of a fighter that is certainly set to be indicted in the UFC Hall of Fame one day. If it is Poirier’s last time fighting, it was most certainly a pleasure to witness a living legend ending his career on a high.