UFC 302: Makhachev remains Lightweight champion; Strickland wins co-main event

UFC 302 results: Islam Makhachev (Russia) made a successful Lightweight title defence yet again as he submitted Dustin Poirier (United States) on Sunday (June 2) in the fifth round of the main event at thePrudential Center, in Newark, New Jersey. With this win, Makhachev continues to rule the Lightweight division.

In the co-main event of UFC 302, former Middleweight champion Sean Strickland (United States) defeated Paulo Costa (Brazil)by spit decision. Strickland remains among the top contenders in the division and might get another big fight later in the year.

Main event: Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier- Lightweight title fight

Makhachevput Poirier on the canvas quickly in the first, advancing to his back and staying there for the remainder of the round. Poirier showed excellent takedown defence during the fight and landed some significant shots at the Russian. With both men injured with deep cuts to their faces, they continued to make the fight exciting.

The fifth and final round saw Makhachev causingPoirier to stumble in the center of the Octagon.After momentarily looking for a guillotine choke, the champion switched off to a D’arce choke and quickly drew out the tap.

With Sunday's win, Makhachev has defended his title three consecutive times and has secured 14 straight wins in the promotion.

In his post-fight interview, Makhachev was all praise for the American. "It's my favourite choke (D’arce choke), I can do this all night. I think Dustin is great, he prepared very well. He defended my takedowns and gave me a hard time. He's a champion legend of this sport. Thank you, Dustin. I want to fight for a second belt. I want to feel that energy again. (To fight for the welterweight belt) This is my dream," he said.

Co-main event: Sean Strickland vs Paulo Costa- Middleweight bout

Strickland managed to outwork Costa in the fight.Costa came out attacking low kicks, landing a couple of heavy ones right out of the chute. But Strickland started checking those shots and getting into his rhythm, and Costa initially had no answers.

Strickland continued to be the aggressor over the rounds,but Costa had his moments in each of those frames, making this closer than anticipated as they worked till the final round.

As the fight concluded, Strickland (46-49, 50-45) defeated Costa (49-46) by split decision.

"It was a boring fight, sorry you guys. That Brazilian was fast going backwards and I'm not known for being athletic, I tried. I thought we were going to have a war. Don't back up next time, please. I want to fight for the belt. I was a company man... give me that title shot!" Strickland said in his post-fight interview.

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