Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier’s Next Best Fights After UFC 302 Results

Alex BallentineJune 2, 2024Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier’s Next Best Fights After UFC 302 Results0 of 2

Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

UFC 302 ended with a familiar sight: Islam Makhachev wearing the lightweight championship around his waist. The dominant grappler secured a fifth-round submission win over Dustin Poirier to complete his third successful title defense.

The win brings Makhachev to the precipice of lightweight championship history. No one has defended the belt four times consecutively.

However, the 32-year-old has referenced his desire to move up to welterweight in the past. Perhaps this is the time that he pulls the trigger on that move. However, another win would give him an argument that he’s the best lightweight champion in history.

As for Poirier, this could be it. He’s flirted with retirement in interviews and this is the third time he’s come up short in a title fight.

Here’s a look at what could be next for both fighters.

Makhachev: Arman Tsarukyan1 of 2

Arman TsarukyanChris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Makhachev was vocal about his intention to move up to 170 pounds in the lead up to this fight, mentioning Arman Tsarukyan by name in an interview with Zac Pacleb of UFC.com.

“Honestly, I think it’s my opinion, (I’m) almost done with my division because who is going to be next? Just Arman (Tsarukyan),” he said. “I already beat (him), and, in my division, I don’t have some interesting fight (or) too exciting fights for me.”

A fight against Tsarukyan might not be exciting, but it hasn’t been an exciting matchup for any of his recent foes. Makhachev pointed out that he has a win over the 27-year-old but that was five years ago at this point.

There are plenty of options for Makhachev if he moves up to 170 pounds. Those will still be there if he takes one more fight in his traditional weight class.

Since his loss to Makhachev, he is 9-1 with a split decision win over Charles Oliveira in his last bout. His ability to beat a grappler of Oliveira’s caliber at least opens up some intriguing storylines in a rematch.

Neither of these guys look like they did back in 2019. Running it back with the opportunity for Makhachev to register a historic fourth consecutive title defense is the move to make.

Poirier: Charles Oliveira2 of 2

Charles OliveiraCarmen Mandato/Getty Images

Poirier told Greg Rosenstein of NBC that he would have to seriously consider retirement if he lost this fight. It’s a completely understandable move as Poirier has nothing left to prove. He was an interim champion, put on several Fight of the Night performances and beat Conor McGregor twice.

However, if he’s willing to put on the gloves one more time it would be nice to see him walk out on a high note.

Running back his 2021 title fight against Charles Oliveira would be a way to do that. The Diamond has noted his regrets about the fight. He came up short of claiming the championship with a third-round submission loss to Do Bronx

Both are getting older and fading from the title picture. Oliveira is now 34 and coming off a loss to Arman Tsarukyan.

Oliveira doesn’t have anything lined up as of right now so he and Poirier can get something on the calendar that makes sense for both of them.

Even if Poirier never wins undisputed gold, he could at least avenge one of his most frustrating losses before calling it a career.