UFC matchmakers wasted no time in setting up the next big fight after Arman Tsarukyan’s split-decision victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. Tsarukyan was offered a championship rematch with 155-pound king Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, just days after his win, but he ultimately rejected the offer. The UFC quickly shifted gears and finalized a title fight between Dustin Poirier and Makhachev for the main event of UFC 302 on June 1.
Tsarukyan’s manager, Sayat Abdrakhmanov, confirmed that the fight was indeed offered to Tsarukyan, who had previously faced Makhachev and lost in a split decision. Considering the quick turnaround after his fight with Oliveira, it was probably a wise decision for Tsarukyan to decline the opportunity, especially given the physical toll that a tough fight can take on a fighter’s body.
With Poirier now set to challenge Makhachev for the title, the UFC has set up a highly anticipated fight that is sure to attract MMA fans. Poirier, a future Hall-of-Famer and fan favorite, is coming off an impressive KO win, while Makhachev is considered the pound-for-pound king. Tsarukyan, meanwhile, has indicated that he plans to face the winner of the UFC 302 main event, rather than take another fight in the meantime to protect his spot in the rankings.
In addition to the Poirier-Makhachev title fight, UFC 302 will also feature Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon on June 29 as the main event of UFC 303. Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa are set to be the co-main event for UFC 302, which will follow a week off for the promotion after the explosive UFC 300 card. The action will resume on April 27 with a UFC Apex Fight Night event headlined by Matheus Nicolau and Alex Perez, setting the stage for the highly anticipated main event between Poirier and Makhachev at UFC 302.
