The former interim champion had never been able to claim the full 155lb title heading into his bout with in the main event of in Newark. And in the case of tasting defeat at the third time of asking, he was expected to retire in the octagon. And while he did flirt with the idea, he was unclear about whether or not he will compete again after an iconic 40-fight run.
The beloved American has headlined around the world against all of the greatest, and was a part of many of the company’s biggest ever pay-per-view events. Dustin Poirier forced to submit by Islam Makhachev in UFC 302 main event Fans were more than eager to see ‘The Diamond’ finally etch his name into the history books at the Prudential Center on Saturday night. Even former president couldn’t miss the fight days after being convicted on 34 felony charges in a New York court as he took his place cageside.
But it wasn’t to be despite a valiant effort that saw him stuff a number of his rival’s takedown attempts and cause serious damage to the dominant Russian. Makhachev has lost just once as a professional, and never looked in doubt on the night despite a valiant effort from . The American never gave up trying for the underdog finish, but was forced into a D’arce choke halfway through the fifth round to which he appeared to go out before tapping.
The victory earned Makhachev a spot in the history books as he tied the long-standing record for lightweight title defences. Poirier’s efforts saw him bloody h.