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Dustin Poirier could’ve easily retired last summer after falling short in another courageous, albeit unsuccessful world title attempt against Islam Makhachev. Instead, he’ll be back for another but would be wrong in thinking the promotion he’s proudly represented over the past 15 years wants a storybook ending. Continue reading “Din Thomas’ delivery was vulgar, but his Dustin Poirier sentiment is painfully true”
Islam Makhachev raced through short-notice replacement Renato Moicano to stand on the brink of history, after his proposed Arman Tsarukyan rematch was dramatically shelved late. Prior in the co-main, Merab Dvalishvili was defiant and diligent en route to a successful first championship defence against the anointed one in Umar Nurmagomedov. The Georgian didn’t read the memo.
Continue reading “UFC 311: Merab thrives in Umar firefight, Makhachev makes quick work of Moicano”
Jon Jones marked his return from injury with a third-round stoppage win over two-time former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, retiring the 42-year-old future Hall of Famer following a dominant display but one raising questions about his suitability to face interim titleholder Tom Aspinall in 2025. Elsewhere, there were contrasting main card victories for Charles Oliveira and Bo Nickal… Continue reading “UFC 309: Jones retires Miocic with R3 TKO, Oliveira again haunts Chandler in co-main”
Islam Makhachev outstruck Dustin Poirier on the feet, and gave the three-time title challenger a familiar sense of deja vu as Khabib watched on after beautifully transitioning to a D’Arce choke submission midway through the final round of their tense, entertaining lightweight championship clash. Then, he doubled down on his ambitions to become a two-weight world titlist post-fight.
Continue reading “UFC 302: Makhachev masterful as he scores R5 sub title win vs. spirited Poirier”
He came close with a guillotine choke against Khabib Nurmagomedov during his first title shot five years ago, and would’ve felt even closer before succumbing to defeat the same way – a round earlier – against Charles Oliveira in 2021. Now, Dustin Poirier’s final chance to rewrite legacy comes against Khabib’s prized pupil, with the man himself set to be in the corner this weekend. Continue reading “UFC 302: Poirier’s final push for gold ends here, but will Makhachev make him 0-3?”
Almost three months after his R2 KO defeat by upcoming title challenger Dustin Poirier at UFC 299, #13 ranked lightweight contender Benoit Saint-Denis has spoken of his desire to climb the ladder and targets two fights in Europe by year’s end. UFC 302 sees Poirier have his third shot to clinch championship gold on Saturday, and plenty is at stake for the highly-regarded veteran….
Continue reading “UFC 302: Saint-Denis itching for summer return, makes Makhachev-Poirier pick”
Having previously stated an openness to face English lightweight Paddy Pimblett, the asking price has gone up for Renato Moicano after his second-round recovery stoppage win over Jalin Turner saw the bullish Brazilian rise into the top-10 at 155lbs on a weekend where there was plenty of change across many divisions. With two victories in two months, he doesn’t want to stop there. Continue reading “Activity now key for Moicano as recovery win sees him ranked #10 at lightweight”
Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway competes at lightweight for the second time in his career this weekend, fighting #1 contender Justin Gaethje for the latter’s BMF title at UFC 300. Given the risk-reward and ever-changing landscape at 145lbs, Holloway could’ve chosen another option – but welcoming this risk is emblematic of the man many have loved through it all, win or lose. Continue reading “Max Holloway aware of the risks in Justin Gaethje clash, but that typifies who he is”
Dustin Poirier’s comeback win to dismiss rising contender Benoit Saint-Denis at the weekend did exactly what he hoped it would: not only restore the winning feeling and rebuild confidence after his stunning second-round KO loss to Justin Gaethje last summer, but gain momentum in a delicate lightweight division without a clear #1 contender for Islam Makhachev’s championship gold too. Continue reading “Poirier pushing for Makhachev title shot in June, after his gutsy Saint-Denis display”
Former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier has been applauded for taking on one of the division’s fast rising contenders in Benoit Saint-Denis tomorrow. Not much movement has occurred since his stunning second-round knockout defeat by Justin Gaethje last summer, but he knows he can’t afford to lose another non-title matchup at this delicate stage of his career. Continue reading “UFC 299: Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint-Denis a worthy co-main, given the stakes”
The long-reigning former UFC featherweight champion has suffered devastating knockout defeats in consecutive bouts, barely four months apart, and is adamant about rematching Ilia Topuria in Spain before 2024 ends to regain his crown as the 145lb king. Eugene Bareman’s health update speaks volumes, but will he listen at a stage of his career where he’s fighting time too?
Continue reading “Alexander Volkanovski needs rest, but right now? Good luck getting him to agree”
Five years and three months after a Fight of the Year battle against Dustin Poirier, one he ultimately lost via fourth-round TKO, one-time interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has an opportunity to right the wrong this weekend. Considering the pot of gold which hangs in the balance for Saturday night’s main event winner, the stakes couldn’t be any higher for The Highlight.
Continue reading “UFC 291: Revenge and another title push motivating Gaethje before Poirier rematch”
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