UFC 302 has recently concluded and capped off an exhilarating win. With many big fights and performances to go over, perhaps none was better than the one Islam Makhachev put on in the main event. As such, the win has earned him some high praise from some very respectable names.
For those unaware, Islam Makhachev made a third successive defense of the lightweight title when he took on Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Although many felt and suggested that the fight would be a one-sided affair, it was anything but, as Poirier gave as good as he got. After more than 4 grueling rounds, Islam finally managed to secure the win by way of submission in Round 5.
The best in the world 😮💨@MAKHACHEVMMA remains the lightweight champion with a submission victory! #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/LpSwj8PH0T
— UFC (@ufc) June 2, 2024
Throughout the fight, Islam showed comfort on the feet and his signature wrestling prowess on the ground. Whilst Poirier was well drilled in his takedown defense, Islam still managed to get him down and submit him on multiple occasions. Having been taken to deep waters for yet another rare instance, it was safe to say that Makhachev’s credentials as a legitimate champ were thoroughly tested.
Khabib Nurmagomedov gives his thoughts on Islam Makhachev’s performance at UFC 302
Despite some early success during the fight, it was Islam Makhachev who seemingly suffered the first big blow of the fight with a cut next to his left eye. Not only that but even his forehead at one point seemed to have taken a big blow whilst blood poured from it. Despite all this and Dustin Poirier’s resolve, Islam did not lose hope and although it took him a little longer, got the job done.
Notably, Khabib Nurmagomedov who was in his corner for the fight, did not seem to be too pleased at times. As a result, he was spotted giving Islam an earful in between the rounds. Eventually, it would seem that his actions bore fruit as his protege once again emerged victorious, leveling his own record in the process. Thus, ‘The Eagle’ couldn’t help but be impressed:
“Today Islam grew a lot.”@TeamKhabib giving his thoughts on @MAKHACHEVMMA‘s performance🦅 #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/JDoRFeMrji
— UFC (@ufc) June 2, 2024
“To be honest, today Islam grew a lot. You don’t even understand. When you go deep like today, it shows people that you understand your body and your things inside, how deep you can go, and even more. Only time people underestimate themselves, our body, our soul, we can go deeper than like 5 rounds or 10 rounds, doesn’t matter.”
“You just have to find this. You just have to be relaxed and find the way, the way you have to go. How you can go deep, you know. It was (a) very big fight.”
Thus it was clear that Islam Makhachev had done everything that was asked of him. Battling not just his opponent but countless curses as well, it was truly him against all odds, despite the fan opinion being mostly in his favor. At the same time, the 32-year-old has further clarified that he may not be done pushing the boundaries just yet.
Islam Makhachev doubles down on his wish to be a two-divisional champion
For the most part, Islam Makhachev’s ambitions to be a double champion are no secret. With a fight against welterweight champion Leon Edwards touted for UFC 300, the Dagestani fighter would do anything to have another opportunity for the same matchup. Moreover, seeing that he is well familiar with Edwards, it is a fight that he feels he can win.
Following his win against Dustin Poirier, Islam was questioned about his willingness to fight for a second title. As expected, the answer was a resounding yes. Not only that but becoming a double champ and a part of the UFC’s most elite and prestigious fighters has been a longtime dream for Makhachev:
“Yeah, of course. Who doesn’t want to be a double champion? This is a history you know, how many double champs we have. This is a dream for all fighters to get a second belt you know, this is my dream and I want to be in the history and (have) people know me as a double champ. This is my dream.”
That said, Islam Makhachev is most likely set to return in a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan later this year. At the same time, Leon Edwards faces Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 next month, meaning that a potential fight between them is also a real possibility. As such, which matchup do you think the UFC will push for? Only time will tell.