Dustin Poirier, a renowned fighter, faced defeat against UFC lightweight champion Makhachev at the Prudential Centre in Newark.
Poirier, who has been in the limelight, lost by submission in the fifth round. This marked his third unsuccessful attempt at winning the title.
Makhachev showcased his dominance by securing his 14th consecutive win in the UFC, executing a D’arce choke in the final round.
Despite the presence of notable figures like former US President Donald Trump in the audience, Makhachev proved his prowess with 88 significant strikes and five takedowns.
Poirier, aged 35, expressed doubts about his future in the sport, hinting at retirement, as the defeat left him pondering his motivations for continuing to fight, especially with family responsibilities and age considerations.
In contrast, Makhachev expressed aspirations of becoming a dual champion by moving up to the welterweight division. He dreams of securing a second belt and feels ready for new challenges.
The event also witnessed other thrilling matches, including Sean Strickland’s split decision victory over Paulo Costa and Kevin Holland’s quick win by submission against Michal Oleksiejczuk.
Looking ahead, former UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor is set to return to the Octagon after a three-year hiatus.
His upcoming bout against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in Las Vegas promises to be a significant event, eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide.
UFC president Dana White emphasized the importance of timing in arranging McGregor’s comeback, highlighting McGregor’s commitment to the sport and the organization.
As the UFC continues to evolve, fans eagerly await the outcomes of these exciting matchups, showcasing the sport’s ever-growing popularity and competitiveness.
