UFC 302: Makhachev vs. Poirier saved a lackluster fight card
Yahoo Sports MMA contributor Ben Fowlkes reacts to UFC 302 with three quick thoughts, including how unexpectedly close the main event: Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier ended up being.
Video Transcript
I'm Ben folks for Yahoo Sports.
Here's three quick things coming out of UFC.
302.
Number one, it was grappling to the rescue for Islam Mahaf UFC lightweight champ found himself in a tougher fight than I think many of us expected.
He had to really get creative to get Dustin Poirier down to the mat in that fifth round, but he did a beautiful takedown transitioned right to the dark choke to finish it.
I think it's a good reminder that as far as Islam Maha's striking has come in recent years, as much as his overall game has rounded out.
He's still a grappling first fighter.
The good news for him is that he's really, really good at it and a lot of people are going to struggle to deal with that.
Number two, give Dustin Poirier his credit.
You look at this on paper, matchup wise, he had no business making this, this close a fight and yet he just got that dog in him.
Dustin Poirier is gonna scrap, he made great mid fight adjustments to the good job shutting down the takedowns.
Uh I think just did a great job making it more his kind of fight.
If this is his last one, as he said, it might be, it just tells you maybe we should have appreciated him more when we had him.
And finally, maybe the UFC, I'd appreciate them more and give the two guys in the main event an extra bonus because if not for them, this fight car would go down as a little bit of a snoozer.
It's just not a whole lot of note, you know, Kevin Holland twisted a man's arm all up like a twist eye.
That was interesting.
Sean Strickland and Palo Costa, not the bloodbath that Sean Strickland promised us.
But then we ought to expect that by now.
Really.
The main event saved us here and, uh, hopefully the UFC shows them a little appreciation.