UFC 302 takeaways: Makhachev eyes double championship, legacy beyond Khabib
The 12-fight UFC 302 card in Newark, New Jersey, was followed by a stunning title fight from Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier. In the main fight, Sean Strickland proved to the world that he’s still one of most skilled middleweights in UFC. But what’s the next step for the top fighters following Saturday’s fight? Andreas Hale and Brett Okamoto share their final thoughts on New Jersey.
Makhachev did well to defend his UFC lightweight title by submitting the fifth round submission of Poirier. However, it was certainly the most difficult fight of his UFC time. Poirier was more just a strong opponent, displaying an unwavering determination in a series of fights that saw him in awkward positions throughout the fight. But, unlike his third-round defeat to Makhachev’s trainer, Khabib Nurmagomedov Poirier appeared to take his lessons from his failures and come to stay out of the mud.
There’s a reason Makhachev is one of the best UFC fighters. 1 fighter pound-for-pound and some believe that Makhachev is an improved version of Nurmagomedov and demonstrated it with his entire toolbox in order to finally achieve the victory in the last round.
As remarkable as Poirier’s determination was, Makhachev’s determination to win the fight could be even more impressive since he did not let the fight get to the scoreboards. It was just a matter of getting creative to accomplish the feat. Makhachev tried all sorts of chokes, from rear-naked to kimuras in the beginning. But, Poirier continued to find ways to get out, and even managed to suffocate multiple takedowns and lift himself off the floor after the champion pinned him. In a quick fight, Makhachev went for an ankle grab and brilliantly utilized it to widen Poirier’s neck to allow him to finish the sequence which saw him take the choke.
It was a fantastic performance from Makhachev who had to face Poirier (and an highly pro-Poirier crowd) to earn his UFC lightweight division’s 13th straight win. Although he has the potential to keep his crown against the top challenger Arman Tsarukyan, Makhachev is more looking to move up to welterweight.
“It’s my dream. I want to fight for the second belt,” Makhachev stated. “I want to feel that energy again because when you defend your belt, it’s not same. I need a new one.”
Makhachev is starting to emerge away from the shadow of Nurmagomedov and the world title in another weight class might be a good way to do it. After his fourth defense of the title Makhachev has also tied to his mentor, along with BJ Penn and Benson Henderson, for the most title fight victories in the history of the lightweight division.
At 32 and not showing any signs that he is slowing his pace, there’s an excellent chance that Makhachev could surpass Nurmagomedov if be able to keep his pace up.
For Poirier his future, it’s in doubt after he fell short of a third time and is now battling for the the undisputed UFC gold.
“I know I could compete with the best of these guys,” Poirier declared. “It’s just like if I do fight again, what am I fighting for? Just to fight? I’ve done that 50 times. I don’t know. I got a little girl I love and I got to see. I think this could be it.”
Poirier is perhaps the best UFC fighter who has never won the title that is undisputed as judging by the performance he had against Makhachev Poirier seems to have more to offer. The issue is whether Poirier would like to make that climb to the top of the ladder another time.
If anything is consolation Makhachev acknowledges the talent of Poirier.
“His coach is working very well and he prepare very good,” Makhachev declared. “He defends my takedown and gave me a hard time. He’s a champion, legend of this sport. Thank you, Dustin.”
Poirier said he’ll have to be patient before deciding whether this will be his final fight. Although he’s only looking to be a champion however, he said it’s unclear what he’ll do without fighting. If an UFC undefeated title doesn’t seem to be in the immediate future, a fight against Max Holloway for the BMF title might alleviate the hurt of losing his title.
Only Poirier will decide on the next steps. Whatever the outcome, fans are sure to be thrilled to will see him enter the Octagon again. — Andreas Hale
Okamoto on what’s next for top stars after UFC 302
Islam Makhachev, lightweight champion
What’s the next step? Arman Tsarukyan
Makhachev’s journey to becoming the best light-weight ever continues. The next fight is basically determined. The UFC gave this chance at Newark for Tsarukyan first, having defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. He wished to rest and a full-time camp for which nobody can blame the fighter. Makhachev defeated Tsarukyan in 2019, however it was his UFC debut and he gave Makhachev an opportunity to fight in one of the best combats of his life. It may not have the attraction of a blockbuster fight with Poirier and Poirier, but it could be a stunning title fight for 155 pounds.
Wildcard: Leon Edwards at Welterweight
Makhachev really wants to become a two-weight champion. This is what he would like most honestly. I don’t think we’ll see the UFC scheduling it anytime soon because both champions have work to complete. However, we’re not too distant from potentially becoming a reality.
Sean Strickland, middleweight
What’s the next? the winner Dricus Du Plessis in a match against. Israel Adesanya
The information isn’t official but it is expected to expect that Du Plessis will defend his title against Adesanya during August, when the UFC comes to Australia. Strickland has a long history with both. He famously beat Adesanya to take the title in September before he surrendered the title in the hands of Du Plessis in his first title defense in January. Strickland believed that he had won the fight, but it was awarded in the direction of Du Plessis via split decision. The only limitation to the plan will be Khamzat Chimaev who will take on the former champion Robert Whittaker later this month. I’ve been campaigning for an Khamzat title fight for quite a time, and it’s time to watch it. It’s overdue. In this instance, Strickland is the most worthy candidate, no matter what happens to Chimaev. And Chimaev isn’t very active at all and who’s to say that he won’t wait until he gets his shot after Strickland is already getting his?
Wild Card winner of Whittaker Vs. Chimaev on June 22
The Du Plessis-Adesanya title bout is a couple of months away. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to see the UFC tried to schedule the No. one contender fight prior to scheduling one of these two fights straight to be a title. I prefer seeing Strickland hold off, however this fight would be fantastic.
Paulo Costa, middleweight
What’s next? Loser of Du Plessis or. Adesanya
Costa has proven that his ability to compete at the top level, and he’s proven that he can become a household name. The popularity of Costa has increased over the past few years, despite losing his most famous fights. In terms of style, any one of these matches is a great matchup. And, if it happened to be Adesanya and Costa, there’d be plenty of narratives to make after the manner in which Adesanya defeated Costa in 2020.
Wildcard Chimaev
In the event that Chimaev is defeated by Whittaker on June 22nd, or if he does win and the UFC would like to make him eligible for an untitle bout, do not be shocked when the UFC will revisit this fight. The fight was scheduled last year, however Costa has had to cancel due to an injury.
Kevin Holland , middleweight
What’s the next step: Neil Magny
Holland has been wanting to fight Magny for some time and even mentioned Magny’s name at the time of fight week. He said he has did not turn down the possibility of a Nick Diaz fight. He was hoping for a fight in UFC 302, win and get the UFC reveal his Diaz fight at the conclusion. UFC decided to go in a different direction with Diaz however, Holland isn’t bothered by it. He simply likes to fight regularly We all know. Magny has the same attitude. In truth, it’s a fight that I’m surprised hasn’t occurred at this point, given the amount of activity these two have. It’s a good idea to start now. Make it a part of any occasion you’d like to have a blast, and this could do the job.
Wild card: Caio Borralho
It’s an extremely enjoyable fight to me. Borralho is beginning to make waves with his 16-1 record and knockout victory against Paul Craig his last fight. Both of them are entertaining and have a great personality. Their fight week interactions will be extremely high-energy. It’s also stylistically, there’ll be an explosive start at the start of the bell. And I’m not opposed to seeing Holland as an intermediate weight. He’s probably best suited for an event with a title at 170lbs, but Holland doesn’t really have a problem with a title. If he doesn’t value it, then why should we? Make him fight for fun which is a good one.
