Dustin Poirier hoped for a story-telling ending in the main event of UFC 302 against Islam Makhachev. In his third shot at the undisputed title, Poirier waged a war against Makahchev. However, he lost the fight in the final round but won the Fight of the Night bonus.
Poirier’s two attempts to become undisputed champion ended in rear-naked choke submission losses. Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s mentor, defeated him in his first undisputed title fight at UFC 242. The second time, Charles Oliveira did the same at UFC 269.
Dustin Poirier recounts Islam Makhachev’s D’arce choke
Poirier was a recent guest on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Hour, where he recounted his UFC 302 fight and upcoming plans. He stated that Khabib Nurmagomedov felt stronger than Makhachev, but the pressure fighting style was similar. However, Makhachev’s squeeze surprised him.
“Islam’s [Makhachev] squeeze was incredible. Like, I never—the whole fight, he felt okay. All these guys are strong, but it wasn’t overwhelming. But his squeeze, that torque he got in that D’are choke, it was like a vice. You know, it was like a vice grip,” said Poirier to Helwani.
When Makhachev took him down, Poirier thought he had gone for a guillotine choke. By the time he understood it was a D’arce choke, Makhachev had already sunk it deep. Poirier admitted Makhachev was the champ for a reason but stated that Jon Jones was the pound-for-pound king.
Poirier had contemplated retirement before the fight. However, he has not officially retired. He admitted he won’t ask the UFC for fights but would be willing to listen if Dana White or Hunter Campbell called with an interesting offer.
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