Makhachev Submits Poirier In The Fifth – Will Dustin Retire?
Islam Makhachev submitted Dustin Poirier in round five, preventing The Diamond from winning the UFC Lightweight Title at UFC 302.
Makhachev submitted Poirier via a D’Arce choke in a thrilling bout. Poirier was almost taken out in the opening round, with Islam going for the takedown. However, Poirier managed to use his rear-naked choke defense to get out of harm’s way.
As the fight entered the second round, Poirier had to diffuse further takedown attempts. However, in doing so, he was exerting so much energy. During this period, Poirier did have some success on the inside, landing with his left elbow during the clinches. The crowd favoured Poirier, desperate to see him win his first world title.
The pressure did not faze Makhachev, as he rocked Poirier numerous times in the third. Once again, he took Poirier to the ground. The Diamond got off the mat, but the energy expended was taking its toll. Poirier and Makhachev then exchanged near the end of the third, leaving The Diamond’s eyes heavily bruised and swollen.
The two began to slow down in the fourth, given the fast pace which had seen set. Islam pushed Poirier against the page, forcing Dustin to reply as he targeted the champion’s body with numerous punches. He cut Makhachev over the left eye as they stared each other down at the end of the fourth.
When it went to the final round, Islam went for another takedown. He worked himself into a guillotine choke before moving to a D’Arce to get Poirier to tap out. Following the win, Islam wanted a shot at the welterweight belt held by Leon Edwards. Meanwhile, Poirier has a choice to make over whether he retires.
Post-Fight
“It’s one of my favorite chokes. It doesn’t matter if I’m tired or what happens, I can do this choke all night. It’s my dream. I want to fight for the second belt. I want to feel that energy again. When you defend your belt, it doesn’t feel the same. I need a new one,” Islam stated
“Yeah, man, he’s the champ. I thought I was chipping away. I stopped most of [his takedowns] in the open, but here he did a low single, an ankle pick and whipped my leg up. And that was that. If I do fight again, what am I fighting for? Just to compete? I think this could be it honestly, Joe. I’m not 100 per cent [sure], but if this is my last fight, I want to dedicate this to the people who made me the man I am today: That’s the women in my life. We’re alright, baby [his daughter]. Always chase your dreams, it’s a beautiful thing,” Poirier said
Full Results
Islam Makhachev def. Dustin Poirier via sub (R5, 2:42)
Sean Strickland def. Paulo Costa via split decision (46-49, 50-45, 49-46)
Kevin Holland def. Michal Oleksiejczuk via sub (R1, 1:34)
Niko Price def. Alex Morono via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Randy Brown def. Elizeu Zaleski via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Roman Kopylov def. Cesar Almeida via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Jailton Almeida def. Alexandr Romanov via sub (RNC) (R1, 2:27)
Grant Dawson def. Joe Solecki via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 x2)
Jake Matthews def. Phil Rowe via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Bassil Hafez def. Mickey Gall via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
Ailin Perez def. Joselyne Edwards via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Andre Lima def. Mitch Raposo via split decision (30-27 x2, 28-29)
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