In Newark, New Jersey, UFC 302 was headlined by an electrifying fight between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier. Makhachev successfully defended his lightweight championship with a fifth-round submission, overcoming what was perhaps his toughest challenge yet.
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Makhachev's tenacity and skill were on full display as he opened his entire toolbox to secure the victory. Despite Poirier's impressive defenses and ability to escape multiple submission attempts, Makhachev creatively found a way to finish the fight in the final round, showcasing why he is the UFC's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.
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With this victory, Makhachev has now secured 13 consecutive wins in the lightweight division. He has his sights set on becoming a two-weight champion, expressing a strong desire to move to welterweight for a new challenge. At 32, he shows no signs of slowing down and aims to surpass his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, by continuing his active and successful career
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Dustin Poirier, despite his valiant effort, faces an uncertain future after his third unsuccessful attempt at undisputed UFC gold. Reflecting on his career, Poirier questioned his motivation to continue fighting, considering the toll on his personal life and his desire to spend more time with his family.
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In the co-main event, Sean Strickland showcased his elite middleweight skills by defeating Paulo Costa. Strickland's impressive performance positions him for a potential title fight against the winner of the upcoming Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya bout. With a history with both fighters, Strickland is eager for another shot at the title, believing he deserved the win in his last fight against Du Plessis.
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Strickland's next fight could be determined by the result of the Du Plessis-Adesanya fight. However, a matchup against Khamzat Chimaev, who faces Robert Whittaker soon, is also on the table. Regardless of the outcome, Strickland is seen as a deserving contender, and fans eagerly anticipate his next move.
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Paulo Costa, despite his loss to Strickland, remains a popular and competitive fighter. Potential matchups for Costa include the loser of the Du Plessis vs. Adesanya fight or even a bout against Chimaev, if circumstances align. Costa's fighting style and personality continue to captivate fans, making any of these matchups exciting prospects.
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