Islam Makhachev defeated Dustin Poirier by stoppage in the main event, defending his lightweight championship title.
Islam Makhachev once again proved his dominance in the lightweight division by knocking out Dustin Poirier in the third round. The main event of UFC Fight Night ended early at 2:47 after the champion's devastating strike. Poirier was unable to continue, and Makhachev successfully defended his title for the fifth time.
Tactical demolition of the champion
Makhachev dominated from the first minutes, using his signature takedowns and ground control. Poirier tried to counterattack but couldn't find any weaknesses in the Russian's defense. In the third round, the champion took the fight to the feet and finished it with a left hook to the jaw.
I knew he was vulnerable in the stance after our preparation. Alhamdulillah, everything went as we planned.
— Ислам Махачев, чемпион UFC в лёгком весе
What's next for the champion?
After this victory, Makhachev may move up to welterweight for the first time to fight for a second title. Arman Tsarukyan and Mateusz Gamrot have already expressed their readiness to be his next opponents in the lightweight division.
one of the most dominant in the division's history. The organization is considering the possibility of holding his next fight at a stadium in Abu Dhabi in October 2026.
This loss could be the last in the 37-year-old Poirier's career, as he previously mentioned the possibility of retiring after this fight.