Overview
- In a RedCorner MMA interview published in early June 2026, Islam Makhachev said his June 2024 lightweight defense of Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 is the fight he rewatchs most because it felt like a "street fight."
- Makhachev finished Poirier with a D’arce/brabo choke in the final round at UFC 302 in Newark, a gritty win that earned Fight of the Night and showed his ability to close out long, physical contests.
- The comment follows Makhachev’s rise from winning the lightweight title at UFC 280 to making four successful lightweight defenses and then capturing the welterweight crown last November to become the UFC’s 11th two-division champion.
- Media outlets report, as an unconfirmed rumor, that Makhachev may make his first welterweight defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August, with a potential later superfight against Ilia Topuria also discussed.
- Makhachev’s focus on the Poirier bout underlines how resilience in hard fights shapes his legacy and suggests his upcoming title defenses will be watched for whether he can translate that grit to sustained success at 170 pounds.