Islam Makhachev fought tooth-and-nail to defend his UFC lightweight title last night (Sat., June 1, 2024) at UFC 302 live on ESPN+ PPV from inside Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, stopping perennial contender and future Hall of Famer, Dustin Poirier, with a nasty fifth-round submission (D’Arce choke).
Makhachev stunned Poirier with a rush of punches before moving inside and scoring a slamming takedown early into the first round. The champion would eventually work towards the back and threatened with a rear-naked choke for about three minutes. Poirier flipped the script in the second round and defended three out of four takedowns from Makhachev. “Diamond” was able to keep the fight standing for nearly the entire round and did some good damage with his hands.
Makhachev returned to his dominance in the third with a takedown along the cage. He eventually took Poirier’s back and forced “Diamond” on the defense. It looked like Makhachev was going to get a hold of an armbar, but Poirier was able to sneak away. Poirier then proceeded to stalk down the champion and yell at him to exchange. Poirier came back in the fourth round by cutting Makhachev on the forehead with an elbow. That put Makhachev on high alert and gave “Diamond” more confidence to land his strikes.
Poirier looked in control to begin the fifth, but Makhachev was able to grab a hold of his leg and sweep him for a takedown. The champion moved in quickly and grabbed a hold of a tight D’Arce choke. Poirier didn’t last too long before tapping and ending another bid for a UFC title.
Check out the video highlights below:
POIRIER IS READY #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/j6LezwhlCz
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 2, 2024
Last-minute instructions from Khabib to Islam #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/vg9gEHGiHu
— ESPN (@espn) June 2, 2024
ISLAM MALHACHEV CHOKES OUT DUSTIN POIRIER LATE IN ROUND 5 OH MY GOODNESS #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/8s4TRTt2ct
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) June 2, 2024
For complete UFC 302 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.