UFC 302 Official: Main Events Set to Electrify Newark!
Anticipation Builds for June 1 Showdown
UFC 302 is locked and loaded with its main and co-main events officially announced, setting the stage for a spectacular showdown on June 1st in Newark, USA. The headline event promises an electrifying lightweight title bout, while fans can also look forward to a thrilling five-round co-main event.
Lightweight Championship at the Forefront
Dana White, the ever-energetic UFC President, revealed post-UFC 300 that lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is slated to defend his title against Dustin Poirier in what promises to be a gripping main event. The co-main event will witness former middleweight champion Sean Strickland take on Paulo Costa in a five-round battle.
Makhachev vs. Poirier: A Battle for Legacy
For the first time since claiming the lightweight title, Islam Makhachev faces a challenger other than Alexander Volkanovski. He aims to extend his win streak to fourteen straight victories against “The Diamond” Poirier. This bout offers Poirier a third shot at UFC gold, following submission losses to legends Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. Poirier earned his title shot with a stunning knockout victory over Benoit Saint Denis in March.
Strickland vs. Costa: Social Media Sparks Fly
The match-up between Strickland and Costa came to fruition following a social media exchange that captivated fans. Initially, Costa claimed Strickland declined the fight, but monetary discussions with the UFC led to Strickland accepting his first fight since losing the middleweight title to Dricus Du Plessis earlier this year. Costa enters the ring off a loss in a dynamic three-round bout with Robert Whittaker in February, looking to reclaim his status as one of the division’s top contenders.
TRENDING
UFC 302 Match Card
- Lightweight Title Match: Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier
- Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa
- Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez
- Jailton Almeida vs. Alexandr Romanov
- Joselyne Edwards vs. Ailin Perez
- Mickey Gall vs. Bassil Hafez
- Grant Dawson vs. Joe Solecki
- Jake Matthews vs. Phil Rowe
- Andre Lima vs. Hyun Sung Park
- Niko Price vs. Jeremiah Wells
- Su Mudaerji vs. Joshua Van
- Cesar Almeida vs. Roman Kopylov
Dana White: “UFC 302 is shaping up to be an unforgettable night of fights.”
Dustin Poirier: “I’m ready to claim what’s mine. The third time’s the charm.”
Sean Strickland: “After discussions with the UFC, I’m all in. Let’s make this a fight to remember.”
