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UFC 302 Live Updates: Islam Makhachev Brings Reign of Terror to New Jersey

Live updates and analysis as Makhachev defends his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier, while Sean Strickland looks to defeat Paulo Costa
Justin Barrasso|

LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE BOUT: ISLAM MAKHACHEV (c) vs. DUSTIN POIRIER

A most familiar sight occurred at UFC 302: Islam Makhachev with his hand raised.

With Khabib Nuramgomedov back in his corner, Makhachev defeated Dustin Poirier, who put forth a valiant effort. This was spectacular, one that immediately goes into the vault for most compelling fights in UFC history.

Ultimately, Makhachev (26-1) was too dominant on the ground. For all Poirier’s heart and determination, he could not overcome the final D’arce choke that ended the bout.

This was overflowing with intensity right from the start. In the first minute of the fight, Makhachev landed a left hand and then forced Poirier to the ground. After a minute on the mat, Poirier fought back up to his knees, but that allowed Makhachev an opening to take his back. But Poirier withstood the punishment, and lasted over four minutes in Makhachev’s control.

Makhachev attempted another takedown 20 seconds into round two, but he was unable to ground Poirier. Another takedown attempt yielded the same result, as Poirier kept the fight on the feet. Makhachev shot for a third takedown attempt at the two-minute mark, but Poirier’s takedown defense was especially solid. At the 12-second mark, Makhachev was finally able to take Poirier down.

The crowd was alive in the third, ready to erupt if Poirier could land the right blow. But Makhachev ensured that did not happen, taking Poirier down to the mat and controlling his back with four minutes still remaining in the round. Miraculously, Poirier fought back to his feet within two minutes. With a bloody nose, he stayed patient waiting for the right shot. Poirier finally landed in the final seconds of the round, entering the championship rounds with a modicum of momentum.

Dripping with perspiration and on the brink of exhaustion, both fighters began the fourth. Poirier forced Makhachev to remain on his feet, blocking two takedown attempts in the first 90 seconds of the round. Makhachev landed, then immediately went for Poirier’s legs. It was a battle, but he finally brought Poirier to his knees at the two-minute-and-twenty-second mark. Again, Poirier broke free, and he busted open a cut on Makhachev’s forehead. Poirier finally started to connect with Makhachev’s body, until Makhachev went into the clinch to end the round.

A bloodied Makhachev started the fifth round searching for a takedown. Sensing danger in the standup, Makhachev fought furiously for the takedown at the three-minute mark. It was far from easy, but he gained control of Poirier’s neck. By this point, the mounting pressure was too much, and Poirier went out.

After the fight, Poirier (30-9, 1 NC) hinted very strongly at retirement, which would end a legendary career. Makhachev had an altogether different idea, expressing his desire to challenge for the title at 170 pounds.

The fight put an emphatic period on UFC 302. A performance like that makes it nearly impossible for anyone in the main event, even Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, to put forth a more gripping performance.

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT: SEAN STRICKLAND vs. PAULO COSTA

Sean Strickland is right back in the title mix.

And, all of a sudden, Paulo Costa has lost four of his last five bouts.

Strickland (29-6) defeated Costa by split decision in the UFC 302 co-main event, his fourth victory in his last five fights. Somehow, this was a split decision, even though the fight was entirely one-sided. And after losing the middleweight championship in a controversial decision to Dricus du Plessis this past January, Strickland needed this win in order to return to a title bout.

The first round was largely feeling out one another, with a slight edge to Strickland. In the second, Strickland was again the aggressor. But Strickland did just enough to win the round, which he effectively did with a left-hand jab that brought Costa to his knees.

In the third, Strickland walked down Costa and landed the better shots. The fourth and fifth were no different. Strickland was smart about where and when he landed, and he made it virtually impossible for Costa to generate any offense. It was an impressive showing from Strickland, who was never in any real danger, and he ended it in fashion with one final flurry in the last minute.

Costa (14-4) still brings value to the UFC. Yet his aura diminishes with each loss, particularly in a fight like this where he was backing up for the entire fight.

If Khamzat Chimaev defeats Robert Whittaker later this month, he will likely be next in line for a title shot. For Strickland, he is still likely behind Israel Adesanya and, permitting he wins, Chimaev. A title eliminator pitting Strickland against the winner of Chimaev-Whittaker is another option for the UFC. But after this performance, Strickland is definitely back in the mix.

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT: KEVIN HOLLAND vs. MICHAL OLEKSIEJCZUK

Kevin Holland made it quick.

Holland did his damage from his back, quickly seizing any momentum Michał Oleksiejczuk possessed after landing a shot that took Holland off his feet. But Holland rewrote the narrative, grabbing
Oleksiejczuk’s arm and locking in a gruesome arm bar. Oleksiejczuk did not tap, but referee Herb Dean called it by technical submission.

The loss marks two in a row for Oleksiejczuk (19-8). It provides new life to Holland (26-11, 1 NC) who ends a two-fight skid with the win.

Holland celebrated with a handshake from President Trump, then referred to himself as the greatest gatekeeper in the UFC.

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT: NIKO PRICE vs. ALEX MORONO

Niko Price was better from start to finish, upsetting Alex Morono in the second bout of the main card.

Morono went for the guillotine early, and he nearly put Price away in the opening moments of the fight. Price came alive in the second round, connecting with a combination before landing a takedown. With just over 30 seconds remaining in the second round, Morono attempted a rear naked choke, but Price ended the round on top.

Price landed the most impactful shots in the third round, never allowing Morono (24-10, 1 NC) to get into a rhythm. With the victory, Price (16-7, 2 NC) ends a two-fight losing streak.

This was the eighth decision of the night, a trend that will hopefully change in the coming bouts.

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT: RANDY BROWN vs. ELIZEU ZELSKI

The evolution of Randy Brown continued at UFC 302, defeating Elizeu Zaleski by unanimous decision.

Brown (19-5) utilized his reach and skill set, consistently landing the better shots against Zaleski (24-8-1). The victory may not vault him into the top 15 of the welterweight division, but it was a necessary element in getting there.

A slow start to the opening round caused the crowd to break into chants for former United States President Donald Trump, who was sitting cageside.

Action picked up in the second round. Zaleski put Brown in a vulnerable position on the ground, yet could not deliver the submission. The building erupted when Brown broke free and then locked in his own rear naked choke, but he was also unable to get the sub.

Brown connected with a knee to the head in the third round, the most vicious shot of the fight. A bloodied Zaleski landed a takedown in the final 30 seconds, but he was unable to finish Brown.

NEWARK, NJ — Twice before, Dustin Poirier has competed for the undisputed UFC lightweight championship.

Both times, he fell short.

Tonight at UFC 302, Islam Makhachev intends to extend Poirier’s title-bout losing streak to three.

Makhachev (25-1) has ripped off 13 straight victories, and he enters the main event as a considerable odds favorite. There is a route to victory for Poirier, but in order for him to solve the Makhachev puzzle, he will need to land the right shot. Poirier (30-8, 1 NC) is an elite striker, which always makes him dangerous. Makhachev, wisely, will look to negate that by turning this into a grappling bout.

In the co-main event, Sean Strickland looks to reassert himself in the middleweight title picture. If he defeats Paulo Costa, then it will be extremely difficult to deny Strickland a shot at the middleweight championship he lost to Dricus du Plessis in an exceptionally close bout five months ago.

Costa (14-3) is a physical speciman and he delivers entertaining bouts, but he enters tonight having lost three of his last four. Strickland (28-6) has won three of his last four, and this appears to be a clash of two fighters headed in opposite directions.

Coverage will take place from the Prudential Center in New Jersey, with new updates and analysis posted throughout the night.

Published | Modified
Justin Barrasso
JUSTIN BARRASSO

Justin Barrasso has been writing for Sports Illustrated since 2014. While his primary focus is pro wrestling and MMA, he has also covered MLB, NBA, and the NFL. He can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com and followed on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.

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