Makhachev targets 'legacy' move to welterweight after beating Poirier at UFC 302

Islam Makhachev is targeting a move to welterweight to secure his "legacy" after the lightweight champion successfully defended his title with a final-round submission of Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 on Saturday night.

Russian Makhachev extended his winning streak to 14 fights, the third-longest in UFC history, while potentially sending American Poirier into retirement at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.

Overcoming one of the sport's accomplished veterans and a crowd — including former President Donald Trump — that was against him from the start, Makhachev improved his professional MMA record to 26-1 and said he may move up in weight for another challenge. “This is my dream,” Makhachev said.

There's certainly not much left for him at 155 pounds, where he defended his title for the third time and showed again why he is ranked as the pound-for-pound best in the UFC.

Poirier (30-9) fell short in his third attempt for the undisputed title, all three ending by submission. At 35, he is considering retirement. “I’ve got to see. I think this could be it,” he said.

He battled back after Makhachev controlled the first round and bloodied the champion's face later, but Makhachev took him down midway through the fifth and quickly pounced, with Poirier unable to escape the choke hold.

“Incredible fight. Both guys dug deep,” UFC President Dana White said.

Makhachev, while respectful of the challenger’s accomplishments, noted this week that Poirier did well against boxers but was exposed against fighters with wrestling backgrounds — which Makhachev lists as his strength.

The champion seemed on his way to a 12th victory by submission in the first round when he took Poirier down in the opening minute and kept him on the mat the rest of