In a highly anticipated match, Dustin Poirier faced off against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey, with the undisputed lightweight championship belt on the line. Poirier, a seasoned fighter with an impressive record of 22 wins and a history of taking on top opponents, was looking to claim the title that has eluded him in his career. Makhachev, riding high on a wave of success with seven victories since 2021 and two straight wins over UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, was determined to prove his worthiness as the lightweight champion. The fight was broadcast on ESPN+ in the United States. While Poirier put up a valiant effort, Makhachev emerged victorious, maintaining his grip on the championship belt and showcasing his dominance in the division.
In addition to the main event, UFC 302 featured several other exciting fights. Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland faced off against Paulo Costa in a highly anticipated co-main event. Other notable fighters in action included Kevin Holland, Michal Oleksiejczuk, Niko Price, Alex Morono, Randy Brown, Elizeu Zaleski, Cesar Almeida, Roman Kopylov, Jailton Almeida Alexandr Romanov Grant Dawson Joe Solecki Bassil Hafez Mickey Gall Ailin Perez Joselyne Edwards and Andre Lima. The event took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on June 1st.
In the aftermath of UFC 302, Poirier announced that he may retire from mixed martial arts following his bout with Makhachev. Citing concerns for his brain health and the potential long-term effects of repeated head injuries, Poirier decided to prioritize his health over financial gains in the sport. This decision highlights the importance of fighter safety and raises awareness about the potential risks associated with mixed martial arts, particularly in regards to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease stemming from repeated head injuries or concussions. While no study has been completed involving mixed martial artists for CTE, former NFL players have shown a 91% diagnosis rate of the disease after studying the brains of 376 former football players. Professional fighters recognize the risks associated with their chosen job and some choose to brush the dangers aside in favor of making money or gaining fame, while others like Poirier know they need to be careful in the latter stages of their career. As Poirier steps away from the sport, he leaves a legacy of courage and dedication, inspiring future fighters to prioritize their health and well-being alongside their athletic pursuits.
