The main event of UFC 302 was one of epic proportions. Though many praised the fight, Arman Tsarukyan raised some criticisms. The top lightweight contender didn’t mince words when assessing Dustin Poirier‘s performance against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302.
In Tsarukyan’s eyes, Poirier mentally checked out in the fight’s decisive final round. Makhachev retained his lightweight title by securing a fifth-round D’arce choke over Poirier. According to Tsarukyan, Poirier’s submission defeat reeked of a psychological surrender with over two minutes remaining.
I wonder where Islam found the strength to choke, but I have a feeling that Poirier just gave up. In terms of being mentally broken. There were 2.5 minutes left. Why are you giving up your neck?… This is the most important and last fight in your life. You take it and just give it away. I wouldn’t just give it up.
Arman Tsarukyan via Outside MMA YT
For a fighter as beloved as Dustin Poirier, having his heart and determination questioned so bluntly was unexpected. However, Tsarukyan clearly felt Poirier’s performance left something to be desired late. Of course, the always-candid Tsarukyan also aimed some barbs at his upcoming opponent, Islam Makhachev. He expressed surprise at the champion’s visible fatigue.
Arman Tsarukyan feels that Dustin Poirier gave up and was mentally broken late in the fight against Islam Makhachev at #UFC302
“The first round went to Makhachev and I thought ‘Damn, this Poirier is a complete sack’…
I wonder where [Islam] found the strength to choke. But I… pic.twitter.com/idFJcJMorT
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 4, 2024
Tsarukyan’s scathing criticism of Poirier has undoubtedly ruffled some feathers in the MMA world. He prepares for his potential rematch against Makhachev down the road. He became the #1 contender after beating Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. It is only a matter of when the next title fight happens.
Arman Tsarukyan vs. Islam Makhachev rematch ‘needs to happen’ as per UFC CEO
Dana White made some revelations after the UFC 302 card ended. He doubled down on making Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan a reality. The highly-anticipated lightweight rematch might become the biggest challenge of Makhachev’s career.
Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan makes sense as per Dana White (via Imago/ MMA Fighting)White addressed Makhachev’s potential plans to move up and challenge for a second title at welterweight. However, the outspoken promoter swiftly shut down that notion, asserting the unfinished business between Makhachev and Tsarukyan takes precedence.
That’s the fight to make, that’s the fight. That’s the fight everybody wants to see, that’s the fight that needs to happen. When we were talking earlier about [Makhachev] moving up, if I was him I wouldn’t even think about moving up until he had that fight. But I don’t know about having that fight in Russia. I don’t know where we would do it.
Dana White at the UFC 302 post-fight press conference
The seeds for Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan were initially planted in 2019 when the then-prospects collided. Makhachev emerged victorious via a unanimous decision at that early showdown. One must note that Tsarukyan took the fight on short notice. But much has changed since their first encounter five years ago. As such, UFC CEO and fight fans remain in anticipation of the rematch.
