Lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev retained his title by submitting Dustin Poirier in the fifth round of a gruelling contest at UFC 302 in New Jersey, United States of America, Sunday morning.
The elite grappling of Makhachev proved to be the difference as the 32-year-old Russian secured a d’arce choke, forcing American Poirier to tap out.
Both fighters oozed confidence during their walkouts, with Poirier singing and bouncing towards the octagon and Makhachev flanked by former champion and team-mate Khabib Nurmagomedov who offered him advice all through the fight.
Makhachev showcased his formidable all-round ability early, worrying Poirier with a boxing combination before landing a takedown and spending the rest of the round searching for submissions on the ground.
With both fighters sporting bloodied faces, Poirier from a clash of heads and Makhachev from an elbow to his forehead, the crowd roared as the bout entered the final round where the Russian got the submission win.
He then revealed his ambition to move up to welterweight in an attempt to become a two-division champion.
35 year old Poirier hinted at retirement after coming up short in what is likely to be his final attempt at becoming undisputed champion.
If Poirier retires, he will exit the sport as one of the greatest mixed martial artists to not win an undisputed UFC title.
The narrative during the build-up had been whether Poirier could claim the belt at his third attempt after defeats by Nurmagomedov in 2019 and Charles Oliveira in 2021.
In the co-main event, American Sean Strickland beat Brazilian Paulo Costa by split decision in a Middleweight contest.
Former champion Strickland who is 33 put his customary pressure on Costa throughout the five-round fight.
Costa who is also 33 backed up throughout the majority of the contest.
Following the bout, Strickland called for a title fight against Dricus du Plessis of South Africa who he lost the belt to last year.
Du Plessis is speculated to be making the first defence of his championship against former champion, Israel Adesanya later in the year.