UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev successfully defended his title against Dustin Poirier in an epic battle at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Makhachev secured a fifth-round victory with a D’Arce choke, marking his third successful title defense and equaling the UFC record for lightweight title defenses. Poirier, known for his boxing skills, showcased exceptional takedown defense throughout the fight. However, Makhachev managed to catch him with an ankle pick in the final round, leading to the decisive submission.
The fight began with Makhachev dominating, utilizing his signature striking and submission setups. Poirier, however, made a comeback in the second round, demonstrating impressive takedown defense and landing successful combinations. In the third round, Makhachev delivered powerful knees in the clinch before taking Poirier down again. Poirier managed to escape a dangerous mount position and bring the fight back to its feet. The fourth round saw Poirier stuffing takedowns and delivering a brutal elbow that opened a cut on Makhachev’s brow. Despite the challenger’s resilience, Makhachev refused to leave the fight in the hands of the judges and ultimately secured the victory with his favorite choke.
Makhachev’s win solidifies his position as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the UFC. With 13 consecutive victories at lightweight, he now holds the record for the longest winning streak in the division. He also ties BJ Penn for the eighth-most finishes in lightweight history. Looking ahead, Makhachev is set to face Arman Tsarukyan in his next fight, a rematch from their first encounter in 2019.
In the co-main event, former middleweight champion Sean Strickland emerged victorious against Paulo Costa, earning a split decision win. Despite dominating the fight, Strickland expressed disappointment in his performance, stating that he expected a more intense battle. With this win, Strickland positions himself for another shot at the middleweight title. Costa, on the other hand, suffered his fourth loss in his last five fights, signaling a decline in his once-feared power.
Overall, the event showcased the UFC’s continued dominance in the world of mixed martial arts. Makhachev’s impressive title defense and Strickland’s dominant performance highlight the level of talent and skill within the organization. As fighters like Makhachev and Strickland aim for championship glory, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and memorable moments in the octagon.