UFC 302 saw one of the most anticipated fights between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier. However, the whole event was marred by some bizarre scorecards. The normally cool and composed Khabib Nurmagomedov was furious after UFC 302. Moments after Makhachev’s title defense, Khabib could not believe how one judge scored the fight.
Judge Chris Lee inexplicably had the fight scored even 2-2 going into the 5th round. This was despite Makhachev largely dominating the fight on the feet and the ground. Many had it either 4-0 Makhachev or 3-1 Makhachev. When Daniel Cormier informed the Russian legend of Lee’s scorecard, Khabib Nurmagomedov was baffled.
2-2, how? One judge gave a lot of fights crazy, crazy numbers, like 50-45. Send me this guy’s name and location.
Khabib Nurmagomedov via Red Corner MMA
Chris Lee’s scorecard was another example of the bad judging that took the spotlight from UFC 302 fights. Khabib Nurmagomedov saw it the same way the other two judges saw it. They had Makhachev winning the bout 3-1 at that point before entering the fifth round. Ultimately, Makhachev pulled off a move out of Tony Ferguson’s book and submitted ‘Diamond’ with a D’Arce choke.
Khabib was shocked that a judge had it 38-38 going into R5 for Islam’s fight
“send me name & location” 😭 pic.twitter.com/v48fPvQzwr
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) June 2, 2024
This was, however, far from the most controversial scorecard of UFC 302. Sean Strickland winning by split decision was another big blunder. Even UFC CEO Dana White wanted the judge to not score important fights. Daniel Cormier also felt judging was bad. However, he credited Nurmagomedov for positively impacting Makhachev during the UFC 302 title fight.
Daniel Cormier pays tribute to Khabib Nurmagomedov
Daniel Cormier was overcome with emotion in the jubilant aftermath of UFC 302. His American Kickboxing Academy teammate Islam Makhachev celebrated a successful title defense. Cormier’s eyes then drifted to Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner.
Daniel Cormier has some touching words for Khabib Nurmagomedov (via Instagram)There stood the man who had undergone an extraordinary transformation. The sight filled Daniel Cormier with immense pride for his “little brother,” and he took to Instagram to pay homage to Nurmagomedov.
Hadn’t seen my little brother for 18 months. It was so good to see him. I’ve seen this man grow from a kid that didn’t speak English, to the world champion to now a world class coach and father. Your dad would be so proud of you kid. #weareaka forever. Nice seeing you champion missed you @khabib_nurmagomedov
Daniel Cormier via Instagram
Those poignant words underscored Nurmagomedov’s profound journey from martial arts prospect to guardian of the sport’s future. Under his late father’s tutelage, the Dagestani became an all-time great fighter alongside AKA’s coaches. Now, the roles have reversed, with Nurmagomedov imparting those same teachings to the next wave. Chief among them is Islam Makhachev, a long-time training partner and protege.
