Even if Dustin Poirier made it to the final bell, he wouldn’t have been able to beat Islam Makhachev, who was ahead on the scorecards 3-1 in two judges’ eyes.
He fought hard and battled through adversity, but Dustin Poirier fell to Islam Makhachev in the 5th round of their UFC 302 lightweight title fight.
Poirier shattered his nose against Makhachev’s forehead early and may have blown out a knee defending a takedown late, but he never stopped digging deep for a win. In the end, though, the champion was just too much. Islam submitted Dustin with a d’arce choke at 2:42, putting the gutsy challenger to sleep (watch the highlights here).
It’s a disappointing result for Poirier fans, many who felt their man could be 2-2 on the scorecards coming into the fifth round. The UFC shares even incomplete scores on fights that go past the first round, so we can see how the New Jersey judges saw the bout.
#UFC302 Official Scorecard: Islam Makhachev (@MAKHACHEVMMA) vs Dustin Poirier
Complete Newark Scorecards: https://t.co/oWPVdPrJkb pic.twitter.com/dD3KSI1Jgf
— UFC News (@UFCNews) June 2, 2024
Eric Colon had it 39-37 Makhachev coming into the 5th, with Poirier taking the 2nd round. Sal D’Amato also had it 39-37 for Islam, but he had Dustin winning round 4. Chris Lee was the most generous to “Diamond,” scoring it 38-38 with rounds 2 and 4 going to Poirier.
It was definitely a closer fight than many were expecting when the UFC announced it, but not as close as some thought coming into the final round. Poirier fended off some ferocious takedowns and tenacious submission attempts right up until minute 22 of the 25 minute fight. But even if he’d made it to the final bell and won round 5, it wouldn’t have been enough for him to win the belt on points.
WHAT A FINISH BY THE CHAMP!!!
The title remains with @MakhachevMMA after submitting Dustin Poirier in round five! #UFC302 #AndStill pic.twitter.com/nsWqIwuGAz
— UFC_Asia (@UFC_Asia) June 2, 2024
It was powerful enough of a performance that many hoped Dustin would walk back talk of retirement if he was no longer a title contender. But while “Diamond” didn’t say for sure it was his last fight, he sounded pretty certain that he was done. Whether that’s his legitimate feeling or a negotiating tactic remains to be seen.
If the UFC wants him back to fight Conor McGregor a fourth time (and you know Conor wants that one given how fight three ended), they’re gonna have to sweeten the pot to entice him ‘out of retirement.’ Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking from a Poirier fan who wants one more big payday for the Louisiana native.