A 12-battle UFC 302 card in Newark, New Jersey, was featured by an arresting title battle execution from Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier. In the co-headliner, Sean Strickland reminded the world that he’s as yet quite possibly of the best middleweight in the game. Yet, what’s next for the top stars after Saturday’s card? Andreas Robust and Brett Okamoto express their last viewpoints from New Jersey.
Makhachev effectively guarded his UFC lightweight title with a fifth-round accommodation against Poirier, yet it was ostensibly the most troublesome test of his UFC residency. Poirier ended up being in excess of an imposing rival, who showed a steely purpose as he regularly wound up in disadvantageous situations over the course of the evening. Notwithstanding, not at all like his third-round accommodation misfortune to Makhachev’s guide, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Poirier appeared to gain from his mix-ups and find an exit from inconvenience.
Be that as it may, there’s a justification for why Makhachev is presently the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound contender, with some accepting that he is a better variant of Nurmagomedov, and he put it on full showcase by opening his whole tool kit to get the completion in the last round at long last.
However amazing as Poirier’s determination seemed to be, Makhachev’s tirelessness to get the completion might have been significantly more marvelous as he wouldn’t permit the battle to arrive at the scorecards. He just needed to finish inventive to get it. Makhachev had a go at all that from back exposed gags to kimuras right off the bat. In any case, Poirier kept on finding ways of battling out, figuring out how to stuff various takedowns and pull himself off the material when the boss grounded him. In somewhat of a scramble, Makhachev went for a lower leg pick and delightfully utilized it to open up Poirier’s neck for the completing grouping that saw him secure the gag.
It was a splendid presentation by Makhachev, who needed to battle Poirier (and a very favorable to Poirier swarm) to get his UFC lightweight division-driving thirteenth successive win. While he could guard his title against strong competitor Arman Tsarukyan, Makhachev is more keen on moving to welterweight.
“It’s my fantasy. I need to battle for the subsequent belt,” Makhachev said. “I need to feel that energy again in light of the fact that when you guard your belt, it’s not same. I really want another one.”
Makhachev is starting to escape from the shadow of Nurmagomedov, and a world title in a subsequent weight class would get the job done. With his fourth title guard, he’s likewise tied his coach, alongside BJ Penn and Benson Henderson, for the most title battle wins in lightweight division history.
At 32 years of age and indicating that things are not pulling back, there is a particular chance that Makhachev can outperform Nurmagomedov would it be a good idea for him he keep on remaining dynamic.
With respect to Poirier, his future is being referred to as he’s missed the mark for a third time frame, trying for undisputed UFC gold.
At UFC 302, Dustin Poirier was bold in disgrace, yet Islam Makhachev demonstrated why he’s apparently the most incredible on the planet in MMA. Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC by means of Getty Pictures
“I realize I could rival the best of these folks,” Poirier said. “It’s very much like in the event that I rehash battle, what am I battling for? Just to battle? I’ve done that multiple times. I don’t have the foggiest idea. I got a young lady I love and I got to see. I figure this could be it.”
Poirier is ostensibly the best UFC contender to never come out on top for the undisputed title, and deciding by his exhibition against Makhachev, he seems to have more to give. The inquiry is whether he’s keen on making that move to a title battle once again.
Assuming it’s any comfort, Makhachev perceives Poirier’s ability.
“His mentor is functioning admirably and he get ready generally excellent,” Makhachev said. “He protects my takedown and gave me trouble. He’s a boss, legend of this game. Much thanks to you, Dustin.”
Poirier explained that he’ll have to require some investment prior to choosing if this will be his last battle. While he just needs to turn into a boss, he likewise expressed that he doesn’t know what he will manage without battling. In the event that a UFC undisputed title isn’t in his short term, a third battle with Max Holloway for the BMF title could facilitate the aggravation of his title misfortune.
Just Poirier can choose his following stage. One way or the other, battle fans will surely be satisfied assuming they see him step into the Octagon once more. – – Andreas Sound
Okamoto on what’s next for top stars after UFC 302
Islam Makhachev interfaces with a punch on Dustin Poirier in the headliner of UFC 302. Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC through Getty Pictures
Islam Makhachev, lightweight boss
What ought to be straightaway: Arman Tsarukyan
Makhachev’s work to conceivably the best lightweight ever proceeds. His next challenge is basically set. The UFC offered this open door in Newark to Tsarukyan first, after he beat Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. He needed a rest and a full camp, for which nobody can fault him. Makhachev beat Tsarukyan in 2019, however it was Tsarukyan’s UFC presentation, and he gave Makhachev one of the nearest battles of his vocation. This probably won’t have a similar blockbuster allure of a battle against Poirier, yet this ought to be an electrifying 155-pound title battle.
Special case: Leon Edwards at welterweight
Makhachev frantically believes that an open door should turn into a two-weight champ. It’s what he needs most, obviously. I don’t see the UFC booking it sooner rather than later, as the two bosses actually have work to do. In any case, we’re not that distant from it perhaps turning into a reality.
