Results of UFC 302: Makhachev vs. Poirier Card Winners and Losers
Tonight's UFC 302 pay-per-view show takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, home of the UFC. Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight champion of the UFC, will defend his title against Dustin Poirier, the previous interim champion, in the main event. In the co-main event of the evening, Paulo Costa, a previous title contender, takes against Sean Strickland, the former UFC middleweight champion.
After preliminary results on ESPN2 and early preliminary results on ESPN+, the main card of UFC 302 is streamed on ESPN+ PPV.
Dustin Poirier has made two prior attempts to capture the undisputed lightweight championship in the UFC. In his attempts, he was defeated by submission by Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. Islam Makhachev has successfully defended the lightweight title in the UFC twice. Alexander Volkanovski, the former 145-pound champion of the UFC, was the opponent in both victories. Makhachev will defend his championship for the first time against a "real" 155-pound opponent at UFC 302.
With 13 victories, Makhachev now maintains the UFC record for the longest winning streak. Makhachev would become only the second fighter in UFC history to win 14 or more fights in a row if he defeats Poirier, along with Anderson Silva and Kamaru Usman. Poirier is ranked fourth going into UFC 302 in the official UFC lightweight rankings.
The UFC middleweight championship was held by Sean Strickland from September 2023 until January 2024. In his first title defense, he was defeated by Dricus du Plessis via split decision, and therefore lost the title. Paulo Costa most recently lost a decision to Robert Whittaker, the former middleweight champion of the UFC, in February 2024.
Prior to UFC 302, Strickland holds the top spot in the UFC middleweight rankings. Costa arrives at No. 7.
Results, champions, and losers of UFC 302 will be updated in real time during tonight's pay-per-view show.
Winners of UFC 302
Bassil Hafez: There were conflicting results after his performance at UFC 302. He performed passably while throwing with force, but as the battle entered the second round, he did not do anything to prepare for his strikes.
Hafez, however, received the unanimous approval of the judgment because to his stronger and more frequent landings.
Hafez might be an entertaining competitor to watch in the UFC welterweight category, but he still has to improve his defense, setups, and cardio.
Hafez, however, received the unanimous approval of the judgment because to his stronger and more frequent landings.
Hafez might be an entertaining competitor to watch in the UFC welterweight category, but he still has to improve his defense, setups, and cardio.
Andre Lima: Mitch Raposo, Andre Lima's late replacement opponent, did not have the best start to his UFC 302 curtain-raiser. He missed weight by five pounds.
Lima looked excellent against his much-outmatched opponent. He was cool under pressure and made effective use of his leg kicks. What should have been a clean unanimous decision triumph was easily picked up by him.
It's important to keep an eye on Lima's ability to gain weight. He did so for his UFC debut in March, but it is not possible for someone to weigh 130 pounds for a 125-pound fight more than once.
Lima looked excellent against his much-outmatched opponent. He was cool under pressure and made effective use of his leg kicks. What should have been a clean unanimous decision triumph was easily picked up by him.
It's important to keep an eye on Lima's ability to gain weight. He did so for his UFC debut in March, but it is not possible for someone to weigh 130 pounds for a 125-pound fight more than once.
UFC 302 Defeatists
Mickey Gall: Although Mickey Gall landed a respectable number of blows on Bassil Hafez, his punches lacked the force to influence the judges. Although Gall performed a respectable job of fighting behind his jab, his lack of strength kept him from scoring the necessary points against the weak-willed Hafez.Gall, who hadn't participated since 2022, lost and now has a 0-3 record in his last three contests. In 2021, he achieved his most recent triumph.
Mitch Raposo: Compared to Andre Lima, Mitch Raposo was outmatched. When he did fight, Raposo delivered his blows singly rather than in combos. He appeared reluctant.
Given the short notice of Raposo's UFC debut, this bout may be the greatest indicator of what lies ahead for him. He must, however, significantly improve for his next appearance.
Referees: During UFC 302, there were several offenses that went unpunished, including a headbutt in the second bout of the evening. One of the main shortcomings of MMA officials is this. The regulations must be upheld by them.
Referees: During UFC 302, there were several offenses that went unpunished, including a headbutt in the second bout of the evening. One of the main shortcomings of MMA officials is this. The regulations must be upheld by them.
