MMA News

Category: UFC

Latest UFC news articles, interviews and more covering the world’s top Mixed Martial Arts promotion.

  • Former UFC Welterweight King Kamaru Usman Opens Door For Dustin Poirier Fight Next: ‘It’s Like You & Your Main Training Partner…’

    Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev went to war at UFC 302 before the champ finally used a D’arce choke in the fifth to retain his title. Although this could potentially be Poirier’s last fight, he’s yet to confirm his retirement. In the meantime, a ton of fun matchups have emerged for “The Diamond.”

    Alexander Volkanovski, who’s been in the Octagon with Makhachev twice, admitted that he would fight Poirier. Now, former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has jumped on the bandwagon as well. 

    Following his second loss to Leon Edwards, Usman has rarely talked about reclaiming welterweight gold. Instead, he’s fought Khamzat Chimaev at 185 pounds on short notice and seems comfortable taking on high-profile fights instead.

    Kamaru Usman Aims To Push Dustin Poirier ‘To The Brink’ If They Fight

    On the June 3 episode of Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru & Henry, Usman and Henry Cejudo were talking about what’s next for Poirier following his loss to Makhachev at UFC 302. 

    Usman first agreed that a fight between Volkanovski and Poirier would be fun and went on to say that if ‘The Diamond’ decides to move up a weight class, he’ll be a great matchup too. 

    Usman then clarified that his call-out of Poirier isn’t mean-spirited but instead, rooted in an interest to fight someone he really respects.

    “I always put my mind there. If I was to ever compete against a guy like Dustin Poirier, that would be a fantastic one, because it’s a guy that I could really respect through and through the process. Really through the process.

    “And we go out. And it’s like you and your main training partner and you just like, yeah, we going to beat each other up. We going to push each other to the brink, you know? That would be a fun fight, but I’m not throwing my hat in.”

    Cejudo didn’t oppose the idea either as he believes that Poirier has plenty of amazing options despite the loss at UFC 302. Even without a title in the picture, fans would no doubt love to see Poirier battle it out with the likes of Max Holloway, Nate Diaz, Usman, and Volkanovski. 

    For now, Poirier deserves all the rest and family time he wants and regardless of his decision to fight in the future, he’s already cemented his legacy as an all-time great.

  • Kevin Holland Open To ‘Whooping’ Joaquin Buckley Again After UFC 302: ‘Keeps Running His Mouth’

    Following his return to the winner’s circle at UFC 302, Kevin Holland named Joaquin Buckley as one option for his next fight.

    Holland entered this past weekend’s pay-per-view event at Newark’s Prudential Center on a losing skid, having dropped consecutive decisions to Jack Della Maddalena and Michael “Venom” Page down at 170 pounds.

    But “Trailblazer” bounced back in style when making a short-notice return to middleweight on June 1, submitting Michał Oleksiejczuk in the first round by way of a brutal armbar.

    Given his usual high level of activity, Holland is unsurprisingly looking to get back into the cage again soon enough. 

    And while open to whatever the UFC should slide across his table, the 31-year-old Texan does have one potential fight in mind…

    Holland Open To Keeping ‘Kid’ Buckley ‘In Line’

    During a backstage interview with Sportsnet’s Aaron Bronsteter in Newark, Holland reflected on his successful performance in “Brick City” on Saturday night and looked ahead to what could await him down the line.

    After noting a willingness to do battle at either welterweight or middleweight, “Big Mouth” threw out the name of Joaquin Buckley as a possible opponent option post-UFC 302.

    “Whatever the UFC wants me to do. I’m pretty sure there’s somebody that needs their ass whooped,” Holland said. “Joaquin Buckley keeps running his mouth. Maybe I have to go whoop him. That is my son. You know, you gotta always keep your kids in line.”

    Holland and Buckley previously collided at the Apex back in 2020, where the former recorded a knockout 32 seconds into the third and final round. The result was the second on a record run of five straight wins in that calendar year for “Trailblazer.”

    Buckley subsequently rose to prominence by delivering an all-time great knockout against Impa Kasanganay. After his progress at 185 pounds stalled, “New Mansa” now finds himself ranked at welterweight following victories over Vicente Luque and Nursulton Ruziboev in 2024.

  • Islam Makhachev Highlights His Biggest Mistake During Dustin Poirier Fight At UFC 302

    UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev wishes he approached striking exchanges with even more confidence this past weekend. 

    Makhachev made his first appearance of 2024 in the main event of Saturday’s pay-per-view card, taking to the Octagon at Newark’s Prudential Center to stake his 155-pound crown against Dustin Poirier. 

    While “The Diamond” performed admirably, he was ultimately unable to bring Makhachev’s reign to an end. Instead, the Dagestani tied Khabib Nurmagomedov and Benson Henderson’s record tally of three defenses each by submitting the challenger in round five.

    The finish came by way of a D’arce choke and followed success on the ground for the champ earlier in the fight. But Makhachev also displayed his ever-developing standup game, catching Poirier clean with a number of shots and combinations. 

    And with his striking gaining plenty of plaudits post-fight, Makhachev seemingly wishes he showcased even more of it…

    Makhachev Reflects On UFC 302 Win: ‘I Have To Believe More In My Striking’

    During an interview with Megan Olivi for ESPN MMA, Makhachev provided an assessment of his performance in New Jersey, which marked his first defense against an established lightweight contender following two victories over then-featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski in 2023.

    While sporting heavy damage of his own as a result of Poirier’s slick boxing, Makhachev noted that he largely gave as good as he got on the feet. With that in mind, he regrets not throwing hands with more confidence.

    “I am happy I finished him,” Makhachev said. “He give me cut. He landed a lot of good punches, but I landed good too. I think the mistake in this fight, I have to believe more in my striking. Honestly, we focused in the wrestling, take him down, make him tired there. But I have to believe in my striking more, I think.”

    Talk of Makhachev’s striking improvements being the major area in which he surpasses the skillset of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, increased when he knocked Volkanovski out with a head kick last October.

    Going toe to toe with Poirier in that realm at UFC 302 no doubt boosted Makhachev’s striking stock.

  • Daniel Cormier Calls For Dustin Poirier To Keep Fighting After UFC 302, Lays Out Logical Next Step

    Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier hopes that this past weekend’s event didn’t mark the end for Dustin Poirier.

    In the headliner of Saturday’s UFC 302 pay-per-view event at Newark’s Prudential Center, Poirier fell short of ticking the final box in his career. In competition for the undisputed lightweight crown, “The Diamond” was submitted by Islam Makhachev.

    The result marked Poirier’s third failed attempt at reaching the 155-pound mountaintop, with the former interim champ previously suffering defeats to both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira with gold on the line.

    Ahead of the June 1 card in New Jersey, the Louisianan noted that retirement could follow regardless of the result. That appears to still be the case, with Poirier telling Joe Rogan inside the Octagon post-fight that his career could well be at its conclusion.

    But after seeing how competitively he performed as a massive underdog at UFC 302, one former fighter hopes to see “The Diamond” continue throwing down…

    Cormier Tells Poirier: There’s Still Money To Be Made, Big Fights To Be Had

    During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Cormier provided his immediate thoughts on UFC 302 while still sat cageside following the end of the PPV card. 

    Despite Poirier admitting that the event could have marked his last outing inside the cage, “DC” hopes to see the Louisianan fan favorite continue in the form of big-name fights, even if it means he makes the walk less often.

    “If Dustin Poirier’s leaving this game, he leaves us with a ton of memories,” Cormier said. “I don’t want to see him go. I don’t know that he should go. I think that what Dustin Poirier should do is take the big fights. He’s such an attraction now in the world of fighting that he’s got a lot of money to be made, but also a lot of big fights to be had.

    “He’s only 35 years old. He can do this for a long time. Maybe don’t fight as frequently, but continue to make that walk,” Cormier continued. “Because once you’re done, you’re done and you can’t come back from it. Sometimes that sucks, especially for a guy that seemingly has a lot of years ahead of him.”

    It remains to be seen what the future holds for Poirier.

    He’s previously been left in a similar limbo in the aftermath of his failed title bid opposite Oliveira in 2021. “The Diamond” initially suggested that only fun fights would bring him back before ultimately embarking on another run toward the belt.

    Time will tell whether or not the coming months will see Poirier change his stance or commit to a departure from active competition on the back of a valiant performance in Newark.

  • What’s Next After UFC 302? Full Confirmed UFC 303 Main Card For Las Vegas On June 29

    UFC 302 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering.

    The promotion was in Newark, New Jersey, last week, where the Prudential Center played host to a number of intriguing matchups. Of note were victories for UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, former middleweight kingpin Sean Strickland, the always entertaining Kevin Holland, and heavyweight contender Jailton Almeida.

    While the aftermath of the June 1 card is currently the talk of the town, it won’t be long until focus sways to the next PPV, and from the current crop of elite lightweights to one of the division’s former champs.

    At UFC 303, set for Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on June 29, former two-division UFC titleholder Conor McGregor will make the walk for the first time since suffering a gruesome leg break against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

    He’ll headline International Fight Week alongside Michael Chandler, the man against whom he coached on The Ultimate Fighter last year.

    Hill, Ulberg, Garry, Page Set The Stage For McGregor Headliner At UFC 303

    Before “The Notorious” Irishman makes his long-awaited comeback in the main event, a number of high-profile names will take to the Octagon looking to make the post of their position on the major card.

    That includes McGregor’s fellow countryman Ian Garry, whose calls for a fight on June 29 were finally answered last month. After Colby Covington frequently rejected the undefeated Dubliner’s callouts, “The Future” will instead defend his position close to the welterweight top five against Michael “Venom” Page.

    After the two elite strikers open the main card, Joe Pyfer and Mayra Bueno Silva will look to bounce back from their defeats earlier this year. After a main event loss to Jack Hermansson, “Bodybagz” is tasked with getting the better of veteran Canadian Marc-André Barriault. “Sheetara,” meanwhile, must rebound at the expense of Macy Chiasson months on from an unsuccessful challenge for the vacant bantamweight gold against Raquel Pennington.

    Then, setting the stage for McGregor vs. Chandler in the co-main event will be former light heavyweight champ Jamahal Hill. “Sweet Dreams” is making a quick turnaround following his knockout loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 300. He’ll share the cage with the charging Carlos Ulberg, who is stepping in as a short-notice replacement for Khalil Rountree.

    See below for the full UFC 303 card, as it stands.

    Main Card:

    • Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler (welterweight main event)
    • Jamahal Hill vs. Carlos Ulberg (light heavyweight co-main event)
    • Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Macy Chiasson (women’s bantamweight)
    • Joe Pyfer vs. Marc-André Barriault (middleweight)
    • Ian Garry vs. Michael Page (welterweight) 
    UFC 298: Ian Garry vs. Geoff Neal

  • Kevin Holland Describes Mangling Michał Oleksiejczuk’s Arm At UFC 302: ‘Herb Dean’s Fault…’

    Kevin Holland has described his point of view as Michał Oleksiejczuk’s arm got bent out of shape at UFC 302 this past weekend.

    On the main card of Saturday’s pay-per-view event at Newark’s Prudential Center, Holland made a short-notice return to middleweight three months on from a defeat to Michael “Venom” Page down at 170 pounds.

    “Trailblazer” quickly returned to the win column, landing a submission victory over Oleksiejczuk that will no doubt go down as one of the most gruesome in recent memory.

    Holland had the Polish fighter locked in an armbar for an extended period, with the limb appearing to either break or dislocate.

    Holland On UFC 302 Armbar: ‘I’m Going To Have To Do A Full-Blown Break…’

    During his post-fight press conference, Holland looked back on the finishing sequence of his clash with Oleksiejczuk, which came just over 90 seconds into the bout.

    “Big Mouth” recalled hearing a quick pop of the arm, which wasn’t enough to draw a tap out of “Hussar.” Holland joked that responsibility for the injury lies with referee Herb Dean, who dismissed his initial calls to halt the fight before applying further pressure on Oleksiejczuk’s arm.

    “Herb Dean’s fault. I asked him to stop it a little earlier, but Herb Dean was like, ‘You’ve got to go a little bit longer.’ Alright, cool, cool,” Holland said jokingly. “When I first put him in the armbar, I heard the pop. After that, it wasn’t popping again and I was like, I’m going to have to do a full-blown break. So I kept trying to do a little chihuahua scoot, get myself underneath there and then hit a good pull after that. But the guy is tough as nails.

    “He hit me with a good shot. Tough guy… I fought John Phillips for my first UFC win, and I had a feeling he would be like John Phillips but better,” Holland continued. “I definitely want to win the fight because I like both of my checks, but (I wish) no harm to him. I hope he’s okay and I hope it’s truly not broken because he seemed to be a cool guy.”

    The result marked Holland’s first victory since a first-round D’arce choke against Michael Chiesa at UFC 291 last July. Defeats to Jack Della Maddalena and Page subsequently halted his charge up the welterweight ladder.

    Having rebounded up at 185 pounds, it remains to be seen which division will stage the 31-year-old’s Texan’s next outing. But given his penchant for high activity, it likely won’t be long until we find out.

  • VIDEO: Israel Adesanya Reacts To Former Opponents Sean Strickland & Paulo Costa’s UFC 302 Fight

    Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya had a vested interest as Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa shared the cage in this past weekend’s co-main event.

    While Saturday’s UFC 302 pay-per-view event in Newark, New Jersey, closed out in style with a blockbuster championship headliner, it wasn’t short on disappointments. According to most, that included the five-round affair between Strickland and Costa.

    The ex-champ and one-time title challenger promised a bloodbath on fight night during their fight week media appearances. When the cage door closed behind them, though, “Tarzan” was able to methodically outpoint “Borrachinha” across 25 minutes.

    Leading into the event, the matchup was widely pointed to as among the most intriguing on the UFC 302 lineup. With that in mind, plenty of eyes were on the co-headliner, including those of Adesanya.

    Adesanya Reacts To Strickland’s UFC 302 Win: ‘Costa Sucks Off His Back Foot’

    During a video recently uploaded to his FREESTYLEBENDER YouTube channel, Adesanya can be seen reacting to the major moments from the UFC 302 main card on Saturday night.

    Having defeated Costa back in 2020 and lost the middleweight title to Strickland just last September, the Nigerian-New Zealander paid close attention to the co-main event at Prudential Center.

    “Costa sucks off the back foot. He’s not really good off the back foot,” Adesanya said. “He’s doing better in this fight. Costa could set him up here, man, ’cause (Strickland’s) so worried about that leg. He’s marching! (laughs)… It’s easier said than done (to stand your ground against Strickland), I’ll tell you that. But if you’ve worked on it, you know how to do it.”

    Adesanya will likely now have the possibility of a second dance with Strickland at the back of his mind. First things first, though, he’ll need to dethrone Dricus Du Plessis to achieve three-time champ status.

    Although yet to be announced, “The Last Stylebender” is expected to serve as the first challenge in the South African’s reign at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, this August.

    Regardless of the result, it would appear that Strickland is in line for a championship rematch against the winner of that grudge match.

  • Paulo Costa Releases First Statement On UFC 302 Loss, Promises Return To ‘Taking Heads Off’

    UFC middleweight Paulo Costa fell to a second straight loss in 2024 this past weekend, and he’s now vowing to make changes.

    Costa returned to action after an 18-month layoff this past February in Anaheim, where he impressed in defeat against former champion Robert Whittaker. The same can’t be said when it comes to his efforts against another ex-titleholder on June 1, however.

    In the co-main event of Saturday’s pay-per-view, “Borrachinha” shared the Octagon with Sean Strickland. While the pair promised a bloodbath at last week’s press conference, it turned out to be the opposite on fight night.

    In the end, “Tarzan” emerged victorious from a largely one-sided, lackluster clash. While he staked his claim for a shot at redemption against Dricus Du Plessis, Costa has been left reflecting on what went wrong in Newark.

    Costa Vows Violence From Here On Out After UFC 302 Loss: ‘F*ck Points!’

    A day on from his latest setback — his fourth in five fights since extending his then-undefeated record to 10-0 against Yoel Romero in 2019 — Costa addressed his UFC 302 performance in a video uploaded to X (formerly Twitter).

    Many, including Strickland, were surprised to see the Brazilian on the back foot throughout Saturday’s co-headliner. And Costa evidently regrets that strategy, promising to bring back his violent, forward-pressuring style next time out.

    “I just came to say a few words. Yeah, Sean won. I didn’t perform very well. I think he didn’t either, but at least he did enough to win, right? This is two losses in a row in three fights, three former champs — Luke Rockhold, (Robert) Whittaker, and Sean,” Costa said (h/t MMA Fighting). “I won one and lost two. But let me tell you something, I agree with Dana (White) and Joe Rogan, and I will do that — I will bring back the (old) Paulo to take heads off, to finish the fight. I’m not that kind of counter (fighter), sorry, I’m not that kind of counter guy. I do better (when I) move forward and try to finish and look for heads.

    “Sean is so awkward, so different kind of fighter to fight against, it’s difficult. He was teeping me, keeping (away), pushing me, keep pushing me, keep me far from him, because he knows the power that I have. And I have the power, so I need to deliver that — and I will do that. I won’t give a f*ck. F*ck points or conserving energy or f*ck anything about that. I will come to take heads off,” Costa continued. “And this is who I am, this is the kind of fighter I am, and the fighter who people expect that I perform (as). So I will do that. F*ck points, I’ve (had) enough of this. Even the first round that I was 100 percent sure that I won, some people thought I lost. F*ck them. I will come to take heads off. That’s it, who I am.”

    It remains to be seen what lies in Costa’s future, but it stands to reason that he’ll be defending his #7 spot in the rankings next time out and will need to string together some wins if he’s to return to title contention.

  • UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (5/27-6/2): Mackenzie Dern Set To Return In Abu Dhabi

    UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (5/27-6/2): Mackenzie Dern Set To Return In Abu Dhabi

    MMA News has you covered with this week’s UFC matchmaking bulletin, featuring the next fight for Mackenzie Dern.

    With UFC cards being held most weekends, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby have their matchmaking work cut out if they’re to fill them, meaning new bouts are confirmed each and every week.

    In recent days, a couple of notable fights were made official by the UFC. For more information on those matchups, check out the links below:

    A few lower-profile matchups also came together. For those, check out this week’s quick hits:

    But it wasn’t all positive, with one fight being adjusted. For that, see below:

    And for more detailed information on one newly booked fight that may have flown under your radar between May 27 and June 2, scroll down and check out this week’s UFC Matchmaking Bulletin spotlighted fight.

    Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez – UFC Abu Dhabi (August 3)

    Mackenzie Dern will look to bounce back from the first losing skid of her professional MMA career when she heads to Abu Dhabi to appear on the UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs.  Nurmagomedov undercard.

    Dern (13-5) has struggled with consistency since winning four straight upon her return post-pregnancy. After losing her opening two main events to Marina Rodriguez and Yan Xiaonan, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist appeared to level up in an Apex headliner last May, with Dern putting in her strongest display to date against Angela Hill. But the 31-year-old has been unable to build on that, falling to a crushing TKO loss at the hands of Jéssica Andrade last November and a narrow decision opposite Amanda Lemos at UFC 298 this past February.

    If Dern is to rebound in the Middle East on August 3, she’ll have to send Loopy Godinez (12-4) onto a losing skid of her own. The Mexican climbed into the top 10 at 115 pounds on the back of a four-fight win streak that included a decision victory over Tabatha Ricci at UFC 295 last November. But in her bid to further climb the ranks in Atlantic City this past March, Godinez was outpointed by Virna Jandiroba. 

    This strawweight matchup was announced by the promotion.

  • Dustin Poirier Assesses What He Could Have Done For A Better Chance Of Beating Islam Makhachev At UFC 302

    Dustin Poirier Assesses What He Could Have Done For A Better Chance Of Beating Islam Makhachev At UFC 302

    Things never came easy for Dustin Poirier, both in his personal life and his career. That carried into UFC 302, where he came up short in what was likely his last chance to become an undisputed world champion in MMA.

    And yet, through it all, Poirier maintained a positive attitude in times of victory and defeat.

    Reflecting back on the person he is, showing resilience and perseverance even after a devastating loss, Poirier says it also comes down to being grateful for the life he’s been able to have and the dream he’s been able to live.

    “After the [Justin] Gaethje fight was a big test for me in my personal growth,” Poirier told Megan Olivi in an interview for ESPN MMA after UFC 302. “Practicing mindfulness and practicing gratitude, because…without gratitude, nothing’s ever enough. My cup’s full, my family’s good, I have my health, they have theirs, I’m chasing dreams.

    “I’m living the life that I could have only imagined as a kid just by chasing my dreams. I came up short tonight, and it hurts bad because, like I said, I know I’m not going to get another chance. I’m probably not going to get another chance to be the undisputed world champion. And that meant a lot to me.”

    Dustin Poirier Regrets Not ‘Taking More Chances’ During Striking Exchanges With Makhachev 

    Heading into UFC 302 as an underdog, Poirier already seemed to be in trouble in the first round, getting taken down by defending champion Islam Makhachev and nearly submitted on more than one occasion.

    But, “The Diamond” told Olivi that every time he got off the stool, he felt that he had the chance to find a way to win. And that was seen in the second round, when Poirier’s takedown defenses were on point and he forced a round of standing and trading.

    Makhachev got the fight back down to the ground in the third, but in the fourth, Poirier landed noteworthy body shots that got the champion’s attention. Unfortunately for the challenger, Makhachev ultimately finished things off in the fifth frame with a D’arce choke.

    “It was a world title fight with the best guy in the world; it was everything I thought it was going to be,” Poirier said. “I feel like I could have [done] more. I said that in the Khabib [Nurmagomedov] fight as well. I could have picked up the volume, took more chances on the feet. He was just similar to Khabib moving weird. His cadence was weird. His head movement was weird. When he would commit to the pocket, he would exit weird. My shots just weren’t there to land.

    “I don’t know if it was the third or fourth round, he pulled me off of the fence before I switched him, and I felt my knee and my shin slide over each other. And then it started feeling like burning; I’ll have to get that checked out but it didn’t bother me getting off the stool or anything like that for the next round…that’s fighting. You’re going to get busted up.”

    It’s unknown if Poirier will ever return to the Octagon again, and making a decision in a time like he was in isn’t always the best timing. But at the end of the day, the gratitude the Louisianan has practiced keeps his spirits high.

    “Life is good,” Poirier said. “I have more to be grateful for than to complain about for sure.”

  • ‘I Don’t Think They Watch Fighting’ – Sean Strickland Reacts To One Judge Favoring Paulo Costa In UFC 302 Win

    While it wasn’t a fight that seemed to live up to its hype, Sean Strickland and his forward-footed pressure outworked Paulo Costa over the course of 25 minutes at UFC 302.

    But, what seemed like an assured victory wasn’t, thanks to one judge.

    Dave Tirelli scored the fight 49-46 for Costa in spite of the bout clearly looking one-sided in Strickland’s favor. 

    After already bringing out a controversial scorecard in the opening preliminary card bout between Mitch Raposo and André Lima, this scoring from Tirelli has gotten him scorched by everyone, ranging from UFC CEO Dana White and commentator Joe Rogan to fight fans and media members across social media.

    Strickland himself let his displeasure be known while talking with Megan Olivi in a backstage interview for ESPN MMA following his victory.

    “The judges are crazy, guys,” Strickland said. “I don’t think they watch fighting, I don’t think they know fighting. You never know; if you leave it in the hands of the judges, only the gods know.”

    Strickland Willing To Sit Out & Wait For Shot At UFC Middleweight Title

    In Strickland’s eyes, the reason that the fight went to the final horn as it did was because Costa did not fight how the former champion expected. As a result, according to Strickland, he wasn’t able to chase the Brazilian down and get the finish.

    “I didn’t think he was going to back up,” Strickland said. “Costa’s not known to fight like that. I don’t know, man… I wasn’t expecting to fight like that. It’s a damn shame. I wanted to finish him, but unless I was running at a full sprint, I just couldn’t catch him.”

    This fight was Strickland’s first since losing the middleweight championship in a close decision to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 this past January.

    Though Strickland felt he did enough to get the win, as did White back then, he was willing to be a “company man” and take this fight. Now, however, Strickland says he’s willing to wait on the sidelines until he gets a rematch.

    “I paid my dues; I did what I had to do,” Strickland said. “Every time you lose, and I think the world knows I beat Dricus, every time you lose, you have to pay your penance. I did my penance with Costa, and no damage…give it to me. I’ll wait.”

    It’s expected that Du Plessis will defend the middleweight title against Israel Adesanya — the man Strickland upset for the belt — at UFC 305 this August in Perth, Australia.

  • Arman Tsarukyan Reacts To Islam Makhachev’s Latest Welterweight Tease At UFC 302: ‘Don’t Try To Run…’

    Islam Makhachev continued to show his prowess with his fifth-round submission victory over Dustin Poirier to retain the UFC lightweight title in the main event of UFC 302.

    Makhachev’s victory now sparks questions about what could be next for him. It’s no secret that the next target date for the Dagestani could be in late October in Abu Dhabi, as Makhachev has done the last two years and his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, did before him.

    However, while many speculated that the next logical step would be a title defense against Arman Tsarukyan, Makhachev stated in his UFC 302 post-fight interview that he’s eyeing a new challenge in moving up to challenge current UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards.

    In a response on X (formerly Twitter), Tsarukyan gave a respectful congratulations to the lightweight champ but suggested that he was looking to run away from him.

    “Congrats to Islam! But don’t try to run away to another division. You’ve only defended your title once against a real lightweight, and I’m next in line,” Tsarukyan wrote.

    Tsarukyan Implies Makhachev Is Trying To Run From Him By Targeting Welterweight Title

    Tsarukyan seemingly became the next contender to the lightweight title by way of his finish of former champion, and previous top contender, Charles Oliveira in a title eliminator at UFC 300 in April.

    Makhachev defeated Oliveira at UFC 280 in October 2022 to capture the lightweight championship. He has since defended the title twice against then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, in addition to Poirier.

    Edwards, meanwhile, is scheduled to defend the welterweight championship against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304, which takes place on July 27 in Manchester, England.

    The UFC has previously announced that this year’s Abu Dhabi pay-per-view card will be UFC 308, which will take place on October 26. Makhachev has also teased another appearance on US soil instead, specifically Madison Square Garden the following month.

  • Kyoji Horiguchi Calls Out UFC After Having Return Interest Dismissed: ‘They’re Not Putting Effort In The Flyweight Division’

    Since parting ways with the UFC after 2016, Kyoji Horiguchi has enjoyed continued success in MMA.

    He went on to hold the Bellator and RIZIN bantamweight championships simultaneously until getting injured, and he is now the current (and inaugural) RIZIN flyweight champion.

    With his ongoing triumphs outside of the Octagon, and given his success during his tenure with the UFC, some have wondered if Horiguchi would ever be given another shot at competing in the UFC. That question became more prominent when the fighter himself expressed interest in an Octagon comeback.

    If one were to ask Horiguchi now, however, that day will never come.

    In the latest episode of RIZIN Confessions, Horiguchi said he’s heard the UFC has no interest in signing him. He also called the promotion out for being focused on profits more than fighters, including a lack of promotion for the UFC’s flyweight division.

    Kyoji Horiguchi Says ‘Big Shot’ UFC Has No Interest In Signing Him

    “[Everyone at American Top Team is] like ‘Why can’t you get signed?’” Horiguchi said. “It’s a big mystery. ‘What? They don’t want Kyoji?’ They’re like, ‘That’s insane…if they don’t want you, I don’t know what else to do.’

    “They went public and now they’re big shots. They are prioritizing profit is what I think. Like, their fight purses are very low. There are only a limited amount of guys who can live off of it. They’re not putting in the efforts for the flyweight division.”

    The UFC and the flyweight division have had a tumultuous history since Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson was crowned the first champion at UFC 152 in September 2012. 

    After Johnson was finally dethroned by Henry Cejudo at UFC 227 in August 2018 and traded to ONE Championship, there were rumors that the UFC was looking to close the flyweight division.

    Horiguchi competed in the Octagon eight times between late 2013 and late 2016, going 7-1. His sole loss came against Johnson, challenging for the flyweight title at UFC 186 and getting submitted with just one second remaining in the fight.

    Endeavor, the UFC’s parent company since 2016, became a publicly traded company in 2021 and was merged with WWE to form TKO in 2023.

    Horiguchi will face former Bellator bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis at RIZIN 47 on June 9. This will be a rematch of their Bellator bantamweight title fight from Bellator 272, which saw Pettis pull off a comeback with a spinning-backfist knockout in the fourth round to retain the title.

  • Alexander Volkanovski Open To Dustin Poirier Fight At Lightweight After His UFC 302 Title Loss

    Alexander Volkanovski Open To Dustin Poirier Fight At Lightweight After His UFC 302 Title Loss

    Heading into UFC 302, Dustin Poirier claimed that if he did not walk out of the Octagon as UFC lightweight champion, he could leave his gloves in the middle of the cage and walk away from the sport.

    Poirier lost to Islam Makhachev in the card’s main event, and while he didn’t retire, “The Diamond” suggested that competing “just to fight” may not be enough to convince him to come back.

    One man, however, seems to think a fight with him may hold the key to convince Poirier to not wrap up his career yet — Alexander Volkanovski.

    In a new video on his YouTube channel, the former UFC featherweight champion suggested that a fight with him at lightweight may pose a new challenge for Poirier that could convince him to go at least another bout.

    “He thinks he might be retiring, not sure — maybe, just maybe, depending on what I’m doing…obviously I want to fight later in the year…I don’t want to wait too long either…if the timing works, maybe me and Dustin can maybe have a good fight,” Volkanovski said.

    Alexander Volkanovski Thinks Him vs. Dustin Poirier Will Be A ‘Massive’ Fight

    Volkanovski has lost three of his last four fights. In 2023, with a title defense against Yair Rodriguez sandwiched between, Volkanovski attempted twice to challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight championship.

    The Australian fell short in a classic, close decision at UFC 284 in February 2023 and then, competing on about 10 days’ notice, was brutally knocked out by Makhachev at UFC 294 last October.

    Volkanovski was again viciously slept at UFC 298 this past February, dropping the 145-pound title to Ilia Topuria. The second KO loss in a four-month span prompted plenty of concern around Volkanovski competing again without a long layoff.

    “Alexander the Great” added in his video that this wouldn’t be a complete move up to 155 pounds, but rather something to challenge himself while waiting to get another crack at the featherweight championship.

    “I know he sort of just wants good, fun fights. Obviously, we have a lot of respect for each other, and I think that would be a massive fight,” Volkanovski said. “That’s something I would be willing to do while I’m waiting for that featherweight title — maybe a lightweight fight against someone like Dustin Poirier would be great.”

  • Dana White: You’re ‘Nuts’ If You Think Islam Makhachev Is The Pound-For-Pound Best

    Islam Makhachev continued to impress and showcase his status as one of the sport’s best with his fifth-round submission of Dustin Poirier to retain the UFC lightweight championship in the main event of UFC 302.

    Makhachev certainly has the credentials to show why he is one of the best athletes in MMA, but where does that put him amongst his peers in the pound-for-pound order?

    The UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings currently list Makhachev as #1. UFC CEO Dana White, however, suggests that while nothing can be taken away from Makhachev’s abilities, the top spot should be with Jon Jones until the heavyweight kingpin can’t go anymore.

    Jones is currently ranked second on the P4P list.

    “I think [Islam is] one of the greatest of all time,” White said at the UFC 302 post-fight press conference. “I think he’s incredible. I don’t think he’s the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. For anyone to call Islam the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world when Jon Jones is still f****** fighting is nuts and shouldn’t be ranking in the pound-for-pound, or doing any of the f****** rankings ever if that’s what you really think.

    “Jon Jones has never lost a fight, ever. He’s fought all the baddest dudes in the world, and then when you think about what pound-for-pound rankings really mean — he moved up to heavyweight and destroyed the best guy in the world. As long as Jon Jones is still fighting, active and in the rankings, nobody [else] is pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world.”

    White: Performance After Long Layoff, Moving Up In Weight Gives Jones Edge Over Makhachev

    Jones reigned over the light heavyweight division for most of the 2010s in spite of multiple controversies that interrupted runs as the division’s champion. He then vacated the championship in 2020 to move up to heavyweight, successfully returning at UFC 285 last year to submit Ciryl Gane and win the then-vacant heavyweight title.

    Jones’ only blemish in his MMA career is his controversial December 2009 disqualification loss to Matt Hamill.

    “Three years off — nobody, not even [Muhammad] Ali, nobody’s ever come from three years off and looked the same,” White said. “Jon Jones walked through the number one guy in the heavyweight division like it was nothing with three years off.”

    Weight divisions also plays a role in White’s feelings.

    Makhachev’s only two other title defenses came last year against the same individual — then-UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Volkanovski moved up to 155 pounds and challenged Makhachev at UFC 284, with the Russian winning a close decision, and again on about 10 days’ notice at UFC 294, where Makhachev won via first-round knockout.

    “When you think about what pound-for-pound really means, [Makhachev] fought Volkanovski, who’s a weight class lower than him,” White said. “Jon Jones beat everybody at light heavyweight then beat the best heavyweight in the division like it was nothing at a higher weight class.”

  • UFC 302 Gallery: Photos From The Pay-Per-View At Newark’s Prudential Center

    UFC 302 took place on Saturday, June 1, and MMA News has you covered with all the best photos.

    After staging its previous numbered event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, last month, the mixed martial arts leader kicked off its June schedule with a return to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

    While the bantamweight gold was on the line at the venue 13 months ago, this weekend saw Islam Makhachev stake his lightweight title against fan favorite Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier.

    Before the elite 155lbers took to the Octagon, former middleweight champion Sean Strickland and one-time title challenger Paulo Costa failed to deliver upon the bloodbath they promised fans throughout fight week.

    Elsewhere on the lineup, Kevin Holland made a successful short-notice return to 185 pounds, Randy Brown made a push for the welterweight rankings at the expense of Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, and Jailton Almeida secured a rebound win following his first UFC loss earlier this year.

    With the event concluded, see below for the best photos from UFC 302.

    (Photos by Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports)

  • ‘Put Up A Last Fight Like He Was Kobe Bryant In His Last Game’ – MMA Fans Serenade Dustin Poirier After He Pushes Islam Makhachev To The Limit In UFC 302 Loss

    ‘Put Up A Last Fight Like He Was Kobe Bryant In His Last Game’ – MMA Fans Serenade Dustin Poirier After He Pushes Islam Makhachev To The Limit In UFC 302 Loss

    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

    https://twitter.com/LL_Nap/status/1797135481433440305

    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.

  • UFC 302 Results & Highlights: Islam Makhachev Submits Dustin Poirier

    UFC 302 Results & Highlights: Islam Makhachev Submits Dustin Poirier

    The UFC staged its latest pay-per-view event on Saturday, and MMA News has you covered with all the action.

    After taking the Octagon back to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil for last month’s numbered card, the promotion’s return to United States soil saw the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, play host to a 12-fight lineup.

    In the main attraction, American fan favorite Dustin Poirier hoped to finish his story by checking the final box in his career. Standing in his way of an undisputed lightweight title crowning at the third time of trying, however, was a formidable force in Islam Makhachev. 

    The Dagestani champion left the crowd disappointed by submitting Poirier in the fifth round of a memorable headliner. In doing so, he tied his mentor, the great Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Benson Henderson for title defenses by notching his third at UFC 302.

    All eyes were also on the co-headliner, as former middleweight titleholder Sean Strickland competed for the first time since being unseated from the throne by the barest of margins this past January in Toronto. After being denied an immediate rematch with Dricus Du Plessis, “Tarzan” staked his claim for a title shot by stalling the ambitions of Paulo Costa in a lackluster five-round affair.

    Before those matchups, the likes of Kevin Holland, Niko Price, Randy Brown, Roman Kopylov, Jailton Almeida, and Bassil Hafez all had their hands raised.

    With the event concluded, check out the full results below, followed by some of the highlights!

    UFC 302: Makhachev vs. Poirier Results & Highlights

    Main Card:

    • Lightweight Championship Main Event: Islam Makhachev def. Dustin Poirier via submission (D’arce choke): R5, 2:42
    • Middleweight Co-Main Event: Sean Strickland def. Paulo Costa via split decision (50-45, 46-49, 49-46)
    • Middleweight: Kevin Holland def. Michał Oleksiejczuk via submission (armbar): R1,  1:34
    • Welterweight: Niko Price def. Alex Morono via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Welterweight: Randy Brown def. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Middleweight: Roman Kopylov def. César Almeida via unanimous decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
    • Heavyweight: Jailton Almeida def. Alexandr Romanov via submission (rear-naked choke): R1, 2:27
    • Lightweight: Grant Dawson def. Joe Solecki via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
    • Welterweight: Jake Matthews def. Phil Rowe via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

    Early Preliminary Card:

    • Welterweight: Bassil Hafez def. Mickey Gall via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
    • Women’s Bantamweight: Ailín Pérez def. Joselyne Edwards via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Flyweight: André Lima def. Mitch Raposo via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)

    Ailín Pérez Def. Joselyne Edwards

    Bassil Hafez Def. Mickey Gall

    Jailton Almeida Def. Alexandr Romanov

    Randy Brown Def. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

    https://twitter.com/mmaSharke/status/1797093108800225302https://twitter.com/mmaSharke/status/1797093678902599797

    Niko Price Def. Alex Morono

    Kevin Holland Def. Michał Oleksiejczuk

    https://twitter.com/TakeruCigarra/status/1797108550453297652

    Sean Strickland Def. Paulo Costa

    Islam Makhachev Def. Dustin Poirier

    https://twitter.com/TakeruCigarra/status/1797133433904214327

  • ‘Sean Strickland Is Lowkey The Belal Muhammad Of The Middleweight Division’ – MMA Fans Have Mixed Reactions After ‘Tarzan’ Survives Bad Judging To Beat Paulo Costa At UFC 302

    ‘Sean Strickland Is Lowkey The Belal Muhammad Of The Middleweight Division’ – MMA Fans Have Mixed Reactions After ‘Tarzan’ Survives Bad Judging To Beat Paulo Costa At UFC 302

    In the co-main event of UFC 302, Sean Strickland returned to the win column with a split-decision victory over Paulo Costa.

    It was another massively varying scorecard for a Strickland fight with two of the three judges scoring the fight 49-46 for either fighter and another scoring all five for the former champion to get the win.

    The story of the fight was the pressure of Strickland as he backed Costa up for the entire duration, using his jabs and body kicks to wear his opponent down.

    “Borrachinha” primarily targeted the legs and body but was unable to land enough to edge out the rounds, which were mostly competitive.

    Strickland called for a shot at the title in his post-fight interview, alongside professing his support for Donald Trump who was sat cage side. 

    Fans React With Mixed Feelings To Sean Strickland’s Co-Main Event Win

    Despite the split judging, Strickland got the win this time around unlike his bout with Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 in January.

    He capped off the fifth round and sealed the deal with a head kick that dropped Costa, following it up with several jumping kicks as he chased his opponent around the cage.

    Judge Dave Tirelli scored the fight in favor of Costa having already caused controversy in the first fight of the night after he scored the opening bout for Mitch Raposo.

    The mixed reactions to the fight and varying scorecards poured in from the MMA world on social media.

    https://twitter.com/meekokokrunch/status/1797121256011214945

    https://twitter.com/valorisback/status/1797121240932499921

    Read More: UFC 302: Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier Live Results & Highlights

  • VIDEO: Kevin Holland Likely Snaps Opponent’s Arm After He Refuses To Tap At UFC 302, MMA Fans React

    VIDEO: Kevin Holland Likely Snaps Opponent’s Arm After He Refuses To Tap At UFC 302, MMA Fans React

    Entering UFC 302 off back-to-back losses, Kevin Holland got a much-needed victory and did it in gruesome fashion.

    Holland took on Michal Oleksiejczuk as part of the event’s pay-per-view card. Holland found himself in trouble in the first round, getting dropped by a left hand.

    However, he recovered enough to throw up his guard and get into a triangle position, eventually getting his legs around one of Oleksiejczuk’s arms. With Oleksiejczuk not tapping, Holland continued to apply pressure until he appeared to break the arm.

    Referee Herb Dean would eventually call the fight, much to the dismay of Oleksiejczuk.

    Kevin Holland Likely Breaks Opponent Michal Oleksiejczuk’s Arm At UFC 302

    https://twitter.com/rachelapdsmith/status/1797109431307518022

    Holland is now 3-2 in his last five fights, with additional wins over Michael Chiesa and Santiago Ponzinibbio. He entered tonight off back-to-back losses against Jack Della Maddalena and Michael “Venom” Page.

    Oleksiejczuk has now lost three of his last four.

  • ‘Coach Khabib Does It Again’ – MMA Fans React As Jailton Almeida Secures Dominant UFC 302 Win After Receiving Tips From ‘The Eagle’

    ‘Coach Khabib Does It Again’ – MMA Fans React As Jailton Almeida Secures Dominant UFC 302 Win After Receiving Tips From ‘The Eagle’

    The first finish of the night at UFC 302 came courtesy of Jailton Almeida who made quick work of Alexandr Romanov.

    “Malhadinho” bounced back in style from his tough loss to Curtis Blaydes at UFC 299 which ended his undefeated streak inside the Octagon.

    Following prior complaints in some of his fights regarding not actively seeking a finish, Almeida didn’t take long before locking in the rear-naked choke after securing an early takedown.

    After Romanov attempted to get back to his feet, the choke was locked in and the tap came soon after to break a run of decisions on the card.

    Almeida said in his post-fight interview that he saw the scorecards roll in whilst backstage, and was looking to finish the fight as soon as possible.

    During fight week, he stated that he received some great advice from Khabib Nurmagomedov to improve his game. MMA fans were quick to highlight that after he secured UFC 302’s first finish.

    MMA Fans React To Jailton Almeida Breaking Decision Streak At UFC 302 With First-Round Sub

    Due to the criticism that Almeida has faced in the past, particularly for his 25-minute domination over Derrick Lewis, MMA fans were stunned to see the first finish of the night come from the Brazilian.

    The reactions poured in on social media, with some hoping that it would be the first of many finishes in Newark.

    In his post-fight interview, Almeida called to face Ciryl Gane in a fight that would make a lot of sense for the headliner spot in Paris in September.

    https://twitter.com/mmaSharke/status/1797076122611425650

    https://twitter.com/JayLoJL/status/1797076144392683566

  • ‘Remove Solecki From The Roster Yesterday’ – MMA Fans Unhappy With Grappling-Heavy Grant Dawson Decision Win At UFC 302

    UFC 302 didn’t appeal to some MMA fans, even on paper. And things did not get better when Grant Dawson took on Joe Solecki during the preliminary card.

    Dawson, known for his grappling, not only scored on all three of his takedown attempts for the fight, but he also had just under 14 minutes of control time during the 15-minute contest – without landing much damage from top position.

    Solecki may have taken the first round with more effective activity going for a guillotine choke, but it wasn’t enough to get past Dawson’s unrelenting pressure. Dawson scored 30-27s on two judges’ scorecards and 29-28 on the third.

    MMA Community Rips On One-Sided, Grappling-Heavy Victory For Grant Dawson Over Joe Solecki At UFC 302

    https://twitter.com/raffaelprospero/status/1797072351609159731

    https://twitter.com/DLo3434/status/1797072335234547980

    This win helps Dawson rebound from a knockout loss at the hands of Bobby Green in October.

    Meanwhile, this is Solecki’s second straight loss after already losing to Drakkar Klose in December.

  • ‘They Should Be Ashamed’ – Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier, & MMA Media Go Off On Judge After Unacceptable Scorecard To Kick Off UFC 302

    ‘They Should Be Ashamed’ – Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier, & MMA Media Go Off On Judge After Unacceptable Scorecard To Kick Off UFC 302

    Fight fans may have to brace themselves after the opening bout of UFC 302 saw quite the controversial scorecard in a one-sided victory.

    The early prelims for UFC 302 opened with a bout between The Ultimate Fighter alumnus Mitch Raposo and Andre Lima. While Lima committed a couple of fouls in the opening round to get a hard warning, Raposo put together little offence of note throughout the fight.

    One judge, Dave Tirelli, however, seemed to be watching a completely different fight and awarded the bout to Raposo with a 29-28 score. The remaining two judges, however, scored the fight for Lima, earning him a split decision.

    The score in Raposo’s favor, however, was enough to get Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier, on the commentary desk for UFC 302, to openly criticize officiating and scoring of fights.

    “I’ve really been an advocate for open scoring and more judges,” Rogan said. “I think three judges is too few.” He also said that “they should be ashamed” to produce a scorecard in favor of Raposo.

    Daniel Cormier also echoed Rogan’s sentiments, heavily criticising the judge with the errant scorecard – Dave Tirelli.

    MMA Community Goes Off On Judge Who Scored Fight For Mitch Raposo Over Andre Lima At UFC 302

    This was Lima’s first fight following his UFC debut, which he won in peculiar circumstances by disqualification after opponent Igor Severino bit him.

    Raposo, who was making his UFC debut, saw a four-fight win streak snapped with this loss.

  • ‘Poirier By Guillotine!’ – Final Thoughts & Predictions On UFC 302 From The MMA Community

    ‘Poirier By Guillotine!’ – Final Thoughts & Predictions On UFC 302 From The MMA Community

    UFC 302 is almost upon us, and many in the mixed martial arts community have been posting some late takes on the event.

    The promotion hosts its latest pay-per-view card from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey tonight, where it could mark last chance saloon in Dustin Poirier’s hopes of achieving undisputed championship status in the UFC lightweight division.

    Headlining UFC 302, Poirier is tasked with bringing an end to the reign of Islam Makhachev, a feat that then-featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski failed to achieve in two attempts last year.

    The co-main event also boasts considerable stakes, as former middleweight titleholder Sean Strickland looks to remain within touching distance of the belt. Having missed out on an immediate rematch with Dricus Du Plessis, “Tarzan” must stall the ambitions of Paulo Costa, who is facing the prospect of a long journey back up the ladder should he move to 0-2 in 2024.

    Also on the lineup, fan favorite Kevin Holland makes the walk as a middleweight once again, top 10 heavyweight contender Jailton Almeida completes a quick turnaround following his first UFC loss this past March, and Randy Brown looks to open the PPV main card in style opposite Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos.

    To prepare yourself for tonight’s event, catch up on the latest betting odds here, look back on the faceoffs from Friday’s ceremonial weigh-ins here, and follow along with the results and highlights here, live from 6:15 PM ET.

    MMA Community Gives Final Thoughts On UFC 302: ‘Poirier By Guillotine!’

    UFC 302 will get underway shortly, meaning the buildup and time for talking is almost over.

    The MMA community is sure to be locked in and engaged in hot discussion over the events that unfold in the coming hours, but throughout today, plenty have been getting in their late predictions and final thoughts on the momentous occasion. 

    https://twitter.com/SkylarSton311/status/1796958228367941842

    https://twitter.com/elchacaboxing/status/1796956132889727220

    https://twitter.com/giscorrectie/status/1796953949813055815

  • VIDEO: Look Back On Islam Makhachev’s Journey To Lightweight Title Glory Ahead Of UFC 302 Return

    VIDEO: Look Back On Islam Makhachev’s Journey To Lightweight Title Glory Ahead Of UFC 302 Return

    UFC 302 headliner Islam Makhachev left a path of destruction in his wake en route to having gold wrapped around his waist for the first time in mixed martial arts’ premier promotion.

    The UFC lightweight champion will feature in the main event of this weekend’s pay-per-view card in Newark, New Jersey, where he’s tasked with recording a third successful title defense at the expense of divisional veteran Dustin Poirier.

    Makhachev had long been touted as a likely successor to his friend, coach, and mentor, the great Khabib Nurmagomedov. A 10-fight win streak that included victories over Arman Tsarukyan, Drew Dober, and Dan Hooker, as well as main event triumphs at the expense of Thiago Moisés and Bobby Green, eventually landed the Dagestani his first shot in 2022.

    With the vacant gold on the line, Makhachev made the most of it at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi, where he dropped and submitted Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira. He’s since cemented his grip on the crown with two successful defenses at the expense of then-featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski.

    Ahead of Saturday’s event, the promotion looked back on Makhachev’s journey to title success at 155 pounds in a video on its official YouTube channel.

    There remains plenty for Makhachev to achieve inside the Octagon, and by the sounds of things, that includes potential two-division supremacy down the line.

    But before turning his attention to the welterweight division and Leon Edwards’ championship belt, the Dagestani standout still has some work to do at lightweight, starting against Poirier on June 1.