UFC made a triumphant return to Newark, New Jersey, with an electrifying card headlined by UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev defending his title against No. 4 ranked contender Dustin Poirier. The co-main event featured a thrilling five-round middleweight clash between No. 1 contender Sean Strickland and No. 7 ranked Paulo Costa.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, June 1
- Location: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
- Main Card Start Time: 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT (ESPN+ PPV)
- Prelims: 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+)
- Early Prelims: 6:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM PT (ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass)
UFC Main Event: Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier
In the main event, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, widely regarded as the top pound-for-pound fighter, defended his belt against fan favorite Dustin Poirier. Makhachev entered the octagon with a 14-0 professional record, having won the vacant title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 and defending it twice against Alexander Volkanovski.
Poirier, seeking his first lightweight title, had previously fallen short in two title fights against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Oliveira. His resilience was on display as he looked to overcome past setbacks and claim victory.
Fight Result: Islam Makhachev defeats Dustin Poirier via unanimous decision.
Co-Main Event: Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa
The co-main event saw Sean Strickland, the No. 1 middleweight contender, square off against the formidable Paulo Costa, ranked No. 7. Both fighters brought intensity and skill to the octagon, promising an action-packed bout.
Fight Result: Sean Strickland defeats Paulo Costa via TKO in the fourth round.
Complete Fight Results and Highlights
Andre Lima vs. Mitch Raposo
- Result: Andre Lima (30-27, 30-27) defeats Mitch Raposo (29-28) by Split Decision.
- Summary: Andre Lima opened the fight card with a unanimous decision victory over Mitch Raposo. Despite missing weight by four pounds, Lima effectively utilized leg kicks to control the bout, securing his second UFC win and extending his professional record to 9-0.
Ailin Perez vs. Joselyne Edwards
- Result: Ailin Perez (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) defeats Joselyne Edwards by Unanimous Decision.
- Summary: In a grudge match, Ailin Perez claimed her third consecutive UFC victory. Perez’s ability to execute throws and ground control secured her the win despite Edwards’ ability to reverse positions. Perez’s spinning backfist in the second round was the fight’s highlight.
Bassil Hafez vs. Mickey Gall
- Result: Bassil Hafez (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) defeats Mickey Gall by Unanimous Decision.
- Summary: Bassil Hafez earned his first UFC victory after a competitive fight against Mickey Gall. Hafez showed early aggression, while Gall, returning after a two-year hiatus, found his rhythm in the later rounds. The judges awarded Hafez the unanimous decision.
Jake Matthews vs. Philip Rowe
- Result: Jake Matthews (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) defeats Philip Rowe by Unanimous Decision.
- Summary: Jake Matthews and Philip Rowe engaged in a closely contested bout to kick off the televised prelims. Matthews’ volume and activity were decisive, leading him to his 13th UFC win and 20th professional victory, while Rowe suffered his second consecutive loss.
Summary of Main and Co-Main Events
Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier:
Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight title with a dominant performance against Dustin Poirier. Makhachev showcased his superior grappling and striking, securing a unanimous decision victory and solidifying his status as one of the best fighters in the division.
Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa:
Sean Strickland emerged victorious in the co-main event, defeating Paulo Costa by TKO in the fourth round. Strickland’s relentless pressure and striking accuracy overwhelmed Costa, earning him a decisive victory and moving him closer to a potential title shot.
Conclusion
UFC 302 delivered an evening of thrilling fights and memorable moments. Islam Makhachev’s impressive title defense and Sean Strickland’s statement victory highlighted a card filled with competitive bouts and emerging talents. The Prudential Center in Newark witnessed yet another spectacular display of MMA action, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next UFC event.
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