This past Saturday night in the main event of UFC 302, the lightweight title was on the line. “The Diamond” Dustin Poirier (30-9) was getting his third crack at undisputed gold as he took on the champion Islam Makhachev (26-1).
The first round looked incredibly bad for Poirier. Makhachev was able to get him to the mat where he completely dominated the first round. Makhachev had Poirier’s back for a good portion of the round, but Poirier remained composed and survived the round.
Poirier came back strong in the second round and actually did enough to win the round on a couple of scorecards. After some big exchanges, Poirier found himself getting taken down again in the third round. Poirier had previously been submitted in the third round of both of his undisputed title shots.
However, this time, he survived. He came back strong again in the fourth and really made it a fight by bloodying Islam Makhachev. Entering the final round at UFC 302, two judges had Poirier down 3-1 but one judge had it even. Poirier started strong but was taken down. Once Makhachev got him down, he locked up a d’arce and got the submission.
What’s next after UFC 302?
After the fight was over, Poirier wasn’t sure whether or not he’d fight in the UFC again. After a third failed attempt to become undisputed champion, Poirier just wasn’t sure whether or not he wanted to climb up that mountain again at 35.
However, I personally don’t think we’ve seen the last of Dustin Poirier. I think we will see The Diamond fight again. So, if he fights again, who should he fight? Personally, I love the idea of a third fight with Justin Gaethje. That was the fight that Poirier wanted before he fought Benoit Saint-Denis and it makes all the sense in the world.
Both are coming off losses and both are in a limbo stage of their careers not sure whether or not they’ll climb the ladder again. I think the UFC should make the trilogy happen and whoever wins can have one more run up to the top of the mountain. In addition to the Gaethje fight, there’s always a fourth fight with Conor McGregor should McGregor beat Michael Chandler later this month.