There were plenty of fighters left licking their wounds following UFC 302, which went down this past weekend (Sat., June 1, 2024) in Newark, N.J., including Paulo Costa, who suffered his second straight defeat after losing to Sean Strickland.
But, at least now he’s motivated.
And Michal Oleksiejczuk, who had his arm snapped thanks to Kevin Holland’s underrated Brazilian jiu-jitsu attack (video replay here). But, which fighter is suffering from the worst post-fight hangover, now a few days removed from the show?
Dustin Poirier.
Coming into the event, the entire combat community felt this was the last chance for “The Diamond” to become an undisputed Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight champion after coming up short in two previous bids.
This time around, Poirier was facing one of the best in the game and current best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet ( at least the rankings say so, while Dana White thinks otherwise) in Islam Makhachev, winner of 13 straight fights with two title defenses.
In other words, he’s the boogeyman himself.
From the jump, Makhachev was determined to set the pace. Everyone knows how great his grappling is, but he proved that he can stand-and-bang, as well. Sure, the champ had a few takedowns and was strong as always once in top position, but Poirier stuffed several takedowns and got some good shots in himself, including a nasty elbow that busted the champ wide open.
And even though Poirier managed to get some momentum going in the championship rounds, he ultimately couldn’t escape Makhachev’s wrestling and his vice-like grip, which eventually lead to the 155-pound kingpin sinking in a fight-ending rear naked choke, putting an end to the Louisiana native’s championship dreams (see it again here).
During his post-fight speech, Poirier hinted that it could’ve been the last time fight fans get to see him inside the Octagon. One day later, “The Diamond” seemed to be a bit hesitant to commit to retirement, suggesting that he still has a lot to mull over before he makes a decision.
Another person who is interested in Poirier’s future plans is none other than former Featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, who knows all too well what it’s like to be locked inside the cage against Makhachev, failing to dethrone him on two separate occasions.
“The Great” suggested a potential clash against “The Diamond” if he decides to stick around awhile longer.
“Maybe, just maybe, depending on what I’m doing and when – obviously I want to fight later in the year when I know exactly what’s happening,” Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel (h/t to Championship Rounds). “I don’t want to wait too long, either. If the timing works, maybe me and Dustin could have a good fight. I know he just wants good, fun fights. We’ve got a lot of respect for each other, and I think that would be a massive fight.
“That’s something that I’d be willing to do while I’m waiting for that featherweight title (shot),” Volkanovski continued. “Maybe I could get a Lightweight fight against someone like a Dustin Poirier, it would be great. You heard it here first. Maybe we can make something happen. Dustin, you’re a legend. Keep your head up. That was a great performance, still. Maybe we could have a little fun in there – have a little dance. Let me know what you think.”
Volkanovski himself is coming off a knockout loss at the hands of Ilia Topuria, which cost him his Featherweight title. While he is hoping to get a rematch, that likely won’t be in the cards anytime soon. That’s the reason he has no issues with partaking in a good old slug-fest with one of the best to ever do it.
Anyone feeling this potential matchup if Poirier decides to keep going?
For complete UFC 302 results, coverage and highlights click HERE.