While Dustin Poirier didn’t officially retire in the Octagon, he was ultimately unsuccessful in what could be his final fight in his MMA career. Poirier came up short against Islam Makhachev, who retained the UFC lightweight championship in the main event of UFC 302.
Makhachev got to business right away, landing a combination early before scoring a takedown. Makhachev, with control on the ground, attempted a kimura, and when Poirier looked to roll away, Makhachev transitioned into a rear-naked choke attempt. Poirier survived the round.
Poirier’s takedown defense was on display in round two, fighting off Makhachev’s attempts until the closing seconds, when Makhachev finally secured a takedown. Makhachev answered that with unrelenting pressure in the third, quickly securing another takedown and locking up a body triangle.
Makhachev attempted to secure the choke again, though Poirier managed to escape his grasp when he attempted to transition into full mount, making it a striking battle on the feet again.
Makhachev’s grappling pressure was getting to Poirier, who appeared to have hurt his leg, in the fourth. But when Poirier brought the fight back to the feet, Poirier started to find success with body shots.
But Makhachev got things back down to the ground in the fifth and locked in a D’Arce choke to secure the submission win.
Poirier ultimately did not leave his gloves in the Octagon but admitted that fighting “just to fight” isn’t enough for him to continue on.
Fans Pay Tribute To Dustin Poirier After UFC 302 Showing
Dustin Poirier is making me emotional right now. Why are you doing this to me? @DustinPoirier #UFC302
— Raul 🇵🇷 (@02Raul434) June 2, 2024
Poirier is really one of the best to never win the belt. I hate that that’ll be his legacy man #UFC302
— Trev Livan 🇬🇾 (@TrevLivan) June 2, 2024
A possible, goodbye to Dustin.. What a career this man has had..#UFC302
— Eddie Aviss (@EAviss86869) June 2, 2024
If it’s the last one it was one hell of a career! Thank you Dustin Poirier!
— 34 Counts 🎖️ (@LL_Nap) June 2, 2024
Dustin Poirier, thank you for the memories. You put up an amazing fight, the people’s champ. 💎 pic.twitter.com/F5OrlVgsU4
— Jonas Aranda (@theJonasAranda) June 2, 2024
Hell of a fight @DustinPoirier
You put on a Great show.
By looking at your wife and kids, you won in life.#UFC302
— Nifemi Daniel (@Denali_Egypt) June 2, 2024
Islam Makachev winning moment.
Dagestani Power 💪💯#ufc302 pic.twitter.com/nTSsG0lAtM— HustleGram (@_hustlegram) June 2, 2024
Dustin The Diamond Porier put up a last fight like he was Kobe Bryant in his last game. Wow. Warrior… #ufc302
— AyoLimbo (@AyoLimbo) June 2, 2024
Arman stands zero chance against Islam so I’d rather see Islam fight for 170 gold against Edwards next #ufc302
— #EverybodysOnSteroids (@sportsguyjason) June 2, 2024
Poirier big respect you’re an absolute legend 💎 #UFC302
— ok9 (@OKounna) June 2, 2024
Somebody get the tissuessss imma miss Dustinnnn 🥺 THE 💎 ✨ #ufc302
— Lexiee Lou (@lou_lexiee) June 2, 2024
Great finish from Islam, Poirier did way more than I expected, seemed like he was growing more and more confidence
Islam is NOT going to win a 170lb title I don’t care what he did tonight 😂 #UFC302 https://t.co/sBqRvjlDUi
— Oliver (@_DaRealOliver_) June 2, 2024
If this is truly it for Dustin Poirier then what an unbelievable career. Thank you, Dustin, for putting your body on the line for our entertainment. What an unbelievable ride. #UFC302
— TC Manning (@AuthorTCManning) June 2, 2024
Makhachev had made two successful defenses of the UFC lightweight championship prior to tonight. Makhachev bested Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 and again, on short notice, at UFC 294. Makhachev had claimed the lightweight title with a win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280.
Poirier earned tonight’s title shot off a win over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299. The former interim lightweight champion had two previous challenges for the lightweight title, coming up short against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242 and Oliveira at UFC 269.
