Islam Makhachev will defend his light-weight title towards Dustin Poirier in the principle occasion of UFC 302 tonight, because the “Diamond” will get one final shot at undisputed gold.
Poirier, a veteran and fan favorite, beforehand held the interim belt however has twice didn’t win the official light-weight title. In 2019, the American was submitted by then-champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, and in 2021, Poirier misplaced a title combat towards Charles Oliveira – once more shedding by way of submission.
As such, Poirier has admitted that he may retire after UFC 302, no matter his outcome towards Makhachev, who’s a mentee and childhood buddy of Khabib. The truth is, Nurmagomedov shall be in Makhachev’s nook in New Jersey, because the champion seeks a 3rd profitable title defence.
Makhachev, the UFC’s pound-for-pound No 1, gained the title by submitting Oliveira in 2022, and the Russian retained the belt twice in 2022 – beating Alexander Volkanovski each occasions. Volkanovski, who was featherweight champion on the time, misplaced to Makhachev on factors then by knockout.
In tonight’s co-main occasion, ex-middleweight champion Sean Strickland faces former No 1 contender Paulo Costa. Their conflict, like the principle occasion, is scheduled for 5 rounds. Comply with UFC 302 reside updates and outcomes beneath.
UFC 302 LIVE: Poirier vs Makhachev
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UFC 302 LIVE: Prelim updates incoming
The common prelims start with a welterweight conflict between Phil Rowe and Jake Matthews!
Zhang vs Wilder is working over within the boxing world, so our round-by-round UFC updates will start barely later than anticipated, however they shouldn’t be too far-off.
Alex Pattle2 June 2024 01:13
UFC 302 LIVE: Prelim updates incoming
The early prelims are all wrapped up!
Bassil Hafez def. Mickey Gall by way of unanimous choice (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Ailin Perez def. Joselyne Edwards by way of unanimous choice (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Andre Lima def. Mitch Raposo by way of break up choice (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
The common prelims are simply moments away, so don’t go anyplace.
Alex Pattle2 June 2024 01:04
UFC 302 LIVE: The ‘joke’ defining Poirier vs Makhachev debates
In Poirier’s lengthy and storied MMA profession, the fan favorite has earned six wins over 4 undisputed UFC champions. But none of these fighters held a UFC title when Poirier beat them, besides Max Holloway in his second combat with the American; even then, Holloway was vying for the interim light-weight belt towards Poirier, fairly than defending his featherweight strap.
That’s to say: For all of Poirier’s achievements, he has by no means gained an undisputed UFC title. The “Diamond” claimed the interim 155lbs belt towards Holloway in that 2019 rematch, including to his previous win over the Hawaiian, victories over Anthony Pettis and Eddie Alvarez, and future wins over Conor McGregor. However the ‘official’ light-weight title has eluded Poirier.
Moreover, the 35-year-old has crushed these champions by all conceivable means – choice, knockout, submission – however he has at all times failed on the method he enjoys most: the guillotine.
Full main-event breakdown:
Alex Pattle2 June 2024 00:34
UFC 302 LIVE: Makhachev tops pound-for-pound rankings
Islam Makhachev is the UFC’s pound-for-pound No 1 fighter – and he’s ours, too.
Alex Pattle2 June 2024 00:15
UFC 302 LIVE: New gloves to debut in New Jersey tonight
The UFC’s new gloves will debut tonight, with an up to date design supposed to supply eye pokes.
There’ll even be gold variations for Makhachev and Poirier in the principle occasion.
However not each fighter is pleased with the brand new gloves…
Alex Pattle2 June 2024 00:00
UFC 302: Khabib returns to educate Makhachev towards acquainted foe Poirier
Khabib Nurmagomedov shall be in Makhachev’s nook this night, teaching his childhood buddy towards Poirier.
Makhachev is looking for a 3rd profitable light-weight title defence, which might see the Russian match his childhood buddy Khabib, who retained the belt thrice earlier than retiring undefeated and as champion in 2020.
“This implies quite a bit,” Makhachev mentioned. “That is like [adding] to hanging 20 per cent, to wrestling 20 per cent, to the plan. It’s at all times nice to have Khabib within the nook, as a result of I feel he offers me good recommendation in lots of fights.”
Extra from Makhachev right here:
Alex Pattle1 June 2024 23:45
UFC 302 LIVE: Makhachev takes difficulty with Poirier insult at face-off
“I don’t perceive you,” Poirier informed Makhachev on Thursday, after failing to listen to what the Russian mentioned at the beginning of their face-off. “I’m gonna knock you out Saturday. I’m gonna sleep-slap you.
“You’re gonna be diving for my legs, praying. You’re gonna be laying and praying, that’s what you’re gonna be doing. You’re going to sleep, motherf****r.”
Makhachev took difficulty with Poirier’s closing insult, saying: “Don’t say ‘motherf****r’.” When Poirier repeated the phrase, Makhachev reiterated: “Don’t say ‘motherf****r’.”
As Makhachev was held again by safety, Poirier mentioned: “I’ve respect for you, brother. We’re gonna combat.”
Alex Pattle1 June 2024 23:30
UFC 302 LIVE: Poirier teases retirement after Makhachev combat – win or lose
Whether or not he wins or loses tonight, this might be Dustin Poirier’s final dance.
“I’m not going to climb the ladder once more,” he informed CBS final week. “I’ve been doing this a very long time.
“It’s a really egocentric sport. I’m able to be a father and be a husband and be dwelling and be right into a routine. I wouldn’t say I can’t do it once more; I can do it once more, it’s simply…
“That is it for me. This might be the final one. I’m nonetheless on the fence, win or lose. I simply wish to be content material with my profession. It’s a factor the place I’ve to digest it and be okay with it [if I lose], as a result of that’s how life goes.
“In fact, I’m wanting on the brighter facet and making an attempt to be optimistic that I’m going to complete the story and seal the deal and turn out to be undisputed light-weight champ after my thirty first combat within the UFC. What a narrative that may be.”
Alex Pattle1 June 2024 23:22
UFC 302 LIVE: Sean Strickland Paulo Costa conflict in co-main occasion
Can Sean Strickland (left) bounce again from his title loss to Dricus Du Plessis in January?
It was a slender choice defeat for the American, who now faces former title challenger Paulo Costa (proper).
Costa is coming off a slim factors loss to ex-champion Robert Whittaker, who bounced again from his personal (shock) loss to Du Plessis by overcoming Costa in February.
This one is scheduled for 5 rounds, which most followers and pundits consider favours Strickland, who to this point has proven a superior fuel taken to his Brazilian foe.
Alex Pattle1 June 2024 23:15
UFC 302 LIVE: Principal and co-main occasion odds
Makhachev – 2/11; Poirier – 4/1
Strickland – 4/9; Costa – 7/4
Alex Pattle1 June 2024 23:00