Arman Tsarukyan says Dustin Poirier was mentally broken which is why he gave up in the fifth round against Islam Makhachev.
Poirier was headlining UFC 302 against Makhachev for the lightweight title and in the lead-up to the fight, ‘The Diamond’ had said this would be his final shot at becoming the undisputed champion.
Although Poirier had moments in the fight, he ended up getting submitted in the fifth round and Tsarukyan believes ‘The Diamond’ gave up once it got back to the ground in the final round.
“The first round went to Makhachev,” Tsarukyan told Outside MMA (via MMAMania). “I thought, ‘Damn, this Poirier is a complete sack.’ Then I saw that Poirier turned on, and Islam got tired and the fight became more interesting. Dustin Poirier surprised me. To be honest, I was more surprised by Islam, why he got tired so quickly and couldn’t fight.
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
“As we know, Islam doesn’t breathe that well in five round fights,” he continued. “This is the second five-round fight and he’s giving away the endings. 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? Well, endure it, get over it, do something, but don’t give up. There are 2.5 minutes left, your last fight, 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.”
Despite Arman Tsarukyan thinking Dustin Poirier gave up at UFC 302, ‘The Diamond’ put up a much better performance than most thought he would.
Dustin Poirier hints at retirement after UFC 302
Following Dustin Poirier losing by fifth-round submission to Islam Makhachev, ‘The Diamond’ hinted at this being his final fight.
In the lead-up to the bout, Poirier said this could be his final fight and after the result, he wouldn’t confirm it would be it but his last fight, bu says it is something he will think about.
“I mean I know I can compete with the best of these guys. It’s just like if I do fight again, what am I fighting for? Just to fight? I’ve done that 50 times,” Poirier said to Joe Rogan after the fight. “I don’t know, I got a beautiful girl I love and I gotta see. I think this could be it honestly.”
If Poirier does retire after UFC 302 he would end his career with a record of 30-9 and a one No Contest.
Alan Jouban thinks it’s time for Dustin Poirier to walk away.
After coming up short in his third and final bid to become lightweight world champion at UFC 302, Poirier suggested that his Fight of the Night with Islam Makhachev could very well be his last. However, ‘The Diamond’ left the door open, suggesting that a return to the Octagon could come down the line.
While a majority of MMA fans are holding out hope that Poirier fights again, Jouban would much rather see the Lafayette, Louisiana native lay down his gloves and ride off into the sunset as one of the most accomplished competitors in UFC history.
“I haven’t spoken to him since the fight. I would say walk away,” Jouban said on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer. “I would tell him to walk away. I think it’s been on his mind for a while. Since I’ve been talking to him for the last three years since I’ve been home [in Louisiana], he’s been bringing it up. ‘I don’t know how many more I left’ and then he gets a fight and then he knocks somebody out, ‘One more.’ He gets a loss ‘I can’t live with that loss.’ Gets a win, ‘We’ll see what happens.’
“Title fight comes, you can’t turn it down but he’s already got the money fight. People are chasing the belt, or they’re chasing Conor McGregor, and he’s done both.
“He’s said it a million times, ‘What is there left for me?’ He lost a fight that people probably gained even more — if it’s even possible — respect for him. It was such a competitive fight against the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, who he handpicked Dustin because he thought it was a stylistic easier matchup. Dustin put him in deeper water than he’s ever been in his life against Islam. I think it’s a loss that you can hold your head high on. It’s one that’s easy to walk away from.”
There are still some interesting fights for Dustin Poirier
With 39 professional fights to his credit and a slew of noteworthy opponents, including Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Eddie Alvarez, Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis, Michael Chandler, Conor McGregor, and the aforementioned Islam Makhachev, it’s clear that Poirier has nothing left to prove. Aside from undisputed gold, he’s done it all.
Still, his popularity is at an all-time high and there is no doubt that the UFC could sell out arenas anywhere in the world with superfights featuring ‘The Diamond’ against the likes of former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski or fellow three-time title challenger Colby Covington. And, of course, there’s always a trilogy fight with the Irish megastar.
Do you agree with Jouban? Is now the time for Poirier to walk away, or are you on the side of Daniel Cormier?
One MMA fan paid almost 100k for a unique experience with Charles Oliveira.
During the annual Instituto Projeto Neymar auction on Monday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil, a Russian businessman paid a whopping $ 95,000 for an experience that will allow him to watch former lightweight world champion Charles Oliviera train for his next fight. But the fun won’t stop there.
The man, identified as Roman Shpigel, will then fly to wherever his next fight takes place and watch him cut weight before joining Oliveira’s team for the post-weigh-ins day. The package deal also includes two tickets to the event.
The UFC has not yet announced when, where, or who ‘Do Bronx’ will fight after coming up short against Arman Tsarukyan at the promotion’s landmark event in Las Vegas.
Aside from the experience with Charles Oliveira, Shpigel paid a hefty price for a couple of other unique offerings
This year’s auction broke last year’s record, bringing in a total of $ 5.1 million. For those unfamiliar Neymar’s institute supports around 3,000 kids and teenagers from Jardim Gloria, Praia Grande. Neymar, a Brazilian soccer star who currently plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, was one of the top-10 highest-paid athletes of 2024 per Forbes with more than $ 100 million in earnings
He also announced an additional $ 5.1 million donation to Rio Grande do Sul, the Brazilian state recently affected by flooding.
Shpigel also purchased two other experiences, paying $ 190,000 to visit Neymar’s home and another six figures for an experience with Brazilian soccer team Flamengo and a barbecue at Leo Pereira’s house
Amid continued speculation regarding the status of this month’s UFC 303 headliner between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, reports tonight have revealed the organization have floated several “fill-in” opponents for the headliner, as well as even “replacement” bouts which would main event the June 29. card in Las Vegas.
According to a report from Ariel Helwani tonight, the promotion are said to be hopeful of seeing a bout between McGregor and Chandler remain on the UFC 303 card later this month amid continued speculation regarding the status, however, have floated several alternatives if the pairing fails to come to fruition.
Replacement bouts reportedly floated for UFC 303 amid Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler fiasco
“No news at the moment,” Helwani replied to a user on X. “The hope is still that the fight [between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler] is still on. There is positivity, I’d say. But they [the UFC] have sent out feelers to see who might be able to fill in, either as a replacement or an entirely new fight at the top of the bill. Still developing, and still some time.”
No news at the moment.
The hope is still that the fight is on. There is positivity, I'd say. But they have sent out feelers to see who might be able to fill in, either as a replacement or an entirely new fight at the top of the bill. Still developing, and still some time. https://t.co/zsAsM0AMFa
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 4, 2024
Tonight’s developments follow a bizarre and rather tumultuous week so far for the main event fight, which was slated to feature at a pre-fight press conference to promote UFC 303 on Monday in Dublin, before the organization confirmed the postponement of the event just hours before doors were set to open at the 3Arena.
The UFC has also so far yet to provide an update on the status of a pre-fight press event or the situation regarding the main event bout, with McGregor apologizing to his fans on social media overnight, claiming “obstacles” prevented the conference from taking place in his native Dublin.
“In consultation with the UFC, today’s press conference was cancelled due to a series of obstacles outside of our control,” Conor McGregor posted on his official X account. “I apologize to my Irish fans, and fans around the world, for the inconvenience and appreciate all your passion and support. I can’t wait to put on the greatest all-time show in the Octagon.”
In consultation with the UFC, todays press conference was cancelled due to a series of obstacles outside of our control. I apologize to my Irish fans, and fans around the world, for the inconvenience and appreciate all your passion and support. I can’t wait to put on the greatest…
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 3, 2024
At the time of publication, the plan still remains for UFC 303 to feature a headlining fight between the above-mentioned, McGregor and Chandler at the welterweight limit on June 29. from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada during International Fight Week.
Do you think we see Conor McGregor fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303?
Former UFC bantamweight title challenger Marlon Moraes has been sworn in as a Davie (FL) Police officer.
The Police department announced the news of Moraes completing his law enforcement certification and being sworn into the department on social media.
Mandatory Credit: Josh Hedges – Zuffa LLC
Moraes’ new career comes nearly a year to the date of his last MMA fight when he retired from the sport following a KO loss to Gabriel Braga at PFL 4.
Marlon Moraes ex campeón de peso gallo de WSOF y contendiente al título del UFC fue juramentado hoy como oficial de policía en la ciudad en que reside en Estados Unidos. Le deseamos lo mejor en esta nueva etapa. pic.twitter.com/AAFbkHCZ8o
— Fanáticos del MMA GT (@fanaticosMMAGT) June 4, 2024
Marlon Moraes isn’t the only former MMA fighter to be a Police officer as Jimmie Rivera is a cop in New Jersey while former UFC heavyweight Chris Daukaus was also a former Police officer in Philadelphia.
Marlon Moraes’ MMA Career
Marlon Moraes finished his career with a record of 23-13-1 but ended his career on a seven-fight losing streak.
Moraes was the inaugural WSOF bantamweight champion and had fought for the vacant UFC bantamweight title in 2019 against Henry Cejudo when he lost by TKO.
Following his knockout loss to Braga on June 8, 2023, he announced his retirement from MMA, as he was able to end his career.
“I started here with World Series of Fighting, and when I announced my retirement, I was in the UFC,” Moraes said (via MMAFighting). “I wasn’t home. Now, I’m home. I wish I had better performances here, but I gave all my heart. I trained hard. I can look myself in the mirror everyday and be proud of myself. I’ve been kickboxing, MMA, since I was 9. I’m 35. 26 years, I gave all my life for this. I gave my heart for the sport. Thank you god. God gave me all I have. I can’t be sad today. I’m happy. I have a beautiful wife, two kids.”
In his MMA career, Moraes holds notable wins over Jose Aldo, Aljamain Sterling, Jimmie Rivera, Raphael Assuncao, and John Dodson among others. Moraes had gone 5-6 in the UFC.
Stephen A. Smith believes Conor McGregor has “no business” being inside the Octagon with a grappler. Especially when that grappler’s name is Islam Makhachev.
On Saturday (June 1) the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ successfully retained his lightweight world title, dispatching division fan favorite Dustin Poirier in the fifth round via submission, extending his unbeaten streak to 14 straight and further establishing himself as the No. 1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world — even if Dana White doesn’t agree.
Being the protege of Octagon icon Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has a natural enemy in Conor McGregor. In the weeks leading up to UFC 302, both men have taken jabs at one another on social media and in interviews, with McGregor being especially nasty toward his former foe’s successor.
Their continued back-and-forth has only further fueled rumors that the two could end up going toe-to-toe inside the Octagon one day.
While that fight seems rather unlikely with both men on very different career trajectories, money talks, and the UFC is in the business of making money. And nobody makes more money than ‘Mystic Mac.’
Stephen A. Smith is confident makhachev would finish McGregor ‘inside of two rounds’
Joining host Molly Qerim on ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith was adamantly opposed to the idea of McGregor squaring off with Makhachev, claiming that it would be “the worst possible fight” for the Irish megastar.
“Conor McGregor has no business being in the Octagon against a grappler, which is what Makhachev… This brother right here is something special and he’s not going to try and strike against McGregor,” Smith said. “Just like he tried on numerous occasions to get [Dustin] Poirier to the ground [at UFC 302] before successfully doing so with that ankle wrap and ultimately getting him.
“That’s exactly what he’s going to do with McGregor. His whole objective is going to be about getting him to the ground. I think it’s the worst possible fight we could possibly want to see in the UFC. There’s is no purpose whatsoever.
“We should literally protest if they try to put [Islam] Makhachev in the Octagon against Conor McGregor because I believe that fight would be over inside of two rounds. He’ll get Conor to submit, it’s that simple. That’s not the fight we want to see. We want to see someone that’s going to try and knock Conor out and Conor try to knock them out. We don’t want to see a grappler inside the Octagon against Conor McGregor because chances are, it’s going to end soon.”
Linked with an impending return to the Octagon for the first time since late last year, former welterweight kingpin, Kamaru Usman may have turned down a grudge fight with Jan Blachowicz last week, however, has suggested a fantasy matchup with Dustin Poirier after UFC 302.
Poirier, a former interim lightweight champion, headlined UFC 302 over the course of the weekend in New Jersey, suffering an eventual fifth round submission loss to undisputed divisional champion, Islam Makhachev.
Finding himself on the receiving end of a spectacular ankle pick in the final round after turning in a valiant performance, Lafayette native, Poirier was forced to tap to a D’Arce choke – before eventually going unconscious.
And weighing up a potential – and admittedly likely retirement from combat sports following his third unsuccessful siege of the undisputed lightweight crown, Poirier was immediately offered one last rodeo by former featherweight titleholder, Alexander Volkanovski.
Kamaru Usman dreams up Dustin Poirier fantasy clash
However, insisting he is not throwing his name into the ring to face Poirier in his return, Auchi veteran, Usman has claimed a fight with the American Top Team star would be “fun” – claiming the two would push each other to their respective limits.
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC
“He’s (Dustin Poirier) got fights,” Kamaru Usman said on his Pound 4 Pound podcast. “The (Alexander) Volkanovski fight could – that’s a fun fight. I’m not in any way throwing my hat in, but [if] he wants to go up [to welterweight], don’t do it. I’m not saying that, but I always put my mind there. If I was to ever compete against a guy like Dustin Poirier, that would be a fantastic one because it’s a guy that I could really respect though and through the process.”
“It’s like you and your main training partner and you’re just like, ‘Yeah, we’re going to beat each other up.” Kamaru Usman explained. “‘We’re going to push each other to the brink.’ That would be a fun fight, but I’m not throwing [my name in the] hat.”
Who would win in a potential fight: Kamaru Usman or Dustin Poirier?
Former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor has addressed the cancelling of a pre-fight press conference ahead of his UFC 303 return in Dublin this evening, claiming “obstacles” out of the promotion’s and fighter’s control led to the event’s cancellation.
Overnight, the UFC released an official statement confirming how their slated press event – featuring McGregor and incoming opponent, Michael Chandler, set to take place at 5pm GMT from the 3Arena, had been postponed.
“Dear UFC fans-” UFC posted on their official X account. “The #UFC303 press conference scheduled for Monday, June 3rd. in Dublin, Ireland at 3Arena has been postponed until further notice. We sincerely apologize to all the fans who were planning to attend. When we have further information on a new date and time, we will share it immediately. -Thank you.”
Dear UFC Fans–
The #UFC303 press conference scheduled for Monday June 3rd in Dublin, Ireland at 3Arena has been postponed until further notice. We sincerely apologize to all the fans who were planning to attend. When we have further information on a new date and time, we will… pic.twitter.com/nIXRIZl5pv
— UFC (@ufc) June 3, 2024
And amid speculation regarding the cancellation of the event, McGregor reportedly had himself cancelled media obligations with broadcast partners of the UFC, prior to the press conference’s cancellation.
Furthermore, reports also claimed that today’s cancellation of the Dublin press event had nothing to do with alcohol or drug-related issues for McGregor – despite continued speculation from fans and critics on social media.
Addressing the event’s postponement tonight, McGregor apologized to fans, before confirming he would still make his return to the Octagon at UFC 303 in a scheduled fight against Chandler on the 29. of this month in Las Vegas.
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC
“In consultation with the UFC, today’s press conference was cancelled due to a series of obstacles outside of our control,” Conor McGregor posted on his official X account. “I apologize to my Irish fans, and fans around the world, for the inconvenience and appreciate all your passion and support. I can’t wait to put on the greatest all-time show in the Octagon.”
In consultation with the UFC, todays press conference was cancelled due to a series of obstacles outside of our control. I apologize to my Irish fans, and fans around the world, for the inconvenience and appreciate all your passion and support. I can’t wait to put on the greatest…
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 3, 2024
What are yourthoughts on Conor McGregor’s UFC 303 presser being cancelled?
In a massive move for the ever-growing sport of mixed martial arts — particularly in Asia, the sport has officially been recognized in Thailand — with a fully certified and approved MMA Association also established under the Department of Provincial Administration.
Thailand, home to a rich and deep history of combat sports, has produced some of the biggest talents in the striking arts to ever compete on a global scale — and in recent years, has become a home to a vast array of the most recognizable figures in mixed martial arts, through its extensive facilities and gyms littered across the Southeast Asian region.
MMA officially recognized as a sport in Thailand
From the likes of Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket — which has hosted the likes of UFC stars, the trio of former championship holders, Alexander Volkanovski, Petr Yan, and former flyweight queen, Valentina Shevchenko — to Bangtao Muay Thai and mixed martial arts, which hosts strawweight best, Zhang Weili, and on occasion, ex-light heavyweight kingpin, Jiri Prochazka.
Developing a vast talent of fighters in the region who have gone on to achieve worldwide success in mixed martial arts and acclaim, the recognization of mixed martial arts as an official sport in Thailand — as well as the establishment of a fully certified mixed martial arts Association comes as a further feather in the cap for the historical combat sports history of the land.
Nick Chapman, who confirmed the establishment in a historic day for the sport in the region, and spoke of his delight to be appointed as advisory chairman for the association — following a “dedicated effort” to see the recognition of mixed martial arts as a sport in the country.
“After months of dedicated effort and collaboration with an incredible team of people, we have successfully achieved official recognition for Mixed Martial Arts as a sport in Thailand,” Advisory Chairman, and Head of International Relations, Nick Chapman said. “We have also established a new, fully certified and approved Mixed Martial Arts Association of Thailand under the Department of Provincial Administration.
“This is a significant milestone for combat sports in Thailand,” Chapman continued. “Our association, with the support of some very influential figures, aims to elevate the sport of mixed martial arts within the country to a world-class level.”
“I am deeply honored to have been appointed as the Advisory Chairman and Head of International Relations for the newly established Mixed Martial Arts Association of Thailand. Being entrusted with such a crucial role in developing the sport that I love at this level in a country that I hold so dear, is an immense privilege for me. Over the next few years you will see the sport of Mixed Martial Arts really start to take off. Our plans for the future of the sport are huge,” Chapman concluded.
MMA Association of Thailand
Mr. Vathanai Vathanakul President
Mr. Prathan Worramanin, Vice President and Secretary General
Mrs.Ummarapas Vathanakul Communication Committee and Accountant
Other committee members:
Mr. Oroschutiman Sangthong
Mrs. Aemon Chapman
Mr. Thanatas
Mr. Krittapas Chutiman
Mr. Suchet
Miss Natchanan Warmanin
Mr. Worathit Warmanin
Mr. Chin Wong Saeng
Miss Anyarat Pancharoen
Mrs. Amraphat Wattanakul
Speaking with John Hyon Ko for The AllStar publication in the aftermath of the formation of the Mixed Martial Arts Association of Thailand, Chapman detailed the journey that took place to see the sport’s recognition in the region — praising the country’s “progressive stance” — before laying out plans to bring a host of high-level coaches from a host of different disciplines to help develop the sport in the country.
“Mixed Martial Arts has been frowned upon in Thailand for a long time,” Chapman said. “There was even a point when the Sports Authority banned the use of a cage, Mixed Martial Arts cages were not allowed, but what I love about Thailand is their progressive stance on things, they are open to taking new things onboard. Mixed Martial Arts is going to explode in Thailand, we are in the process of setting up a Mixed Martial Arts association in Thailand.”
“I’ve been enlisted with heading the development team and what we are going to do is regulate Mixed Martial Arts in Thailand, we are going to bring in grassroots organizations from around the world, we are going to be running regular events, in a cage, in Sports Authority approved stadium. Mixed Martial Arts is going to become a massive part of the combat sports industry here.”
“IMMAF is a huge organization globally for mixed martial arts. We are going to work under their framework so everything is done as it should be. I’m going to make sure all the regulations are in place, everything is conducted professionally, fighters’ safety. I’ll be taking care of all of that.”
“A 5-10 year plan is to bring over the high-level wrestling coaches, the high level of jiu-jitsu coaches, the high level of MMA coaches and develop Thai nationals to either be ONE Championship’s level or UFC level. That’s my dream.”
UFC CEO, Dana White appears to have no reservations regarding footage of Conor McGregor partying into the early hours in his Dublin pub just four weeks from his return against Michael Chandler at welterweight, claiming the ex-champion isn’t “dumb” when it comes to preperation.
McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the promotion, is set to snap an-almost three year hiatus from he Octagon at UFC 303 at the end of this month during International Fight Week, taking on Chandler in the pair’s long-anticipated grudge match.
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC
Sidelined since UFC 264, McGregor suffered a fractured left tibia and fibula in an opening round doctor’s stoppage TKO defeat to common-foe, Dustin Poirier – who headlined UFC 302 overnight in a D’Arce choke submission loss to undisputed gold holder, Islam Makhachev.
However, just weeks out from his return in Las Vegas later this month, McGregor has posted several video on his official social media of him partying at his Black Forge Inn public house in Walkinstown – as recently as this weekend.
Dana White unconcerned for Conor McGregor ahead of UFC 303
And amid concerns over the Dubliner’s preparation for his UFC 303 comeback – which compatriot Caolan Loughran has claimed is showing a level of disrespect for the sport of mixed martial arts, White, who is set to meet with the former for tomorrow’s press conference in the Irish capital, appears less than concerned.
“Well, again – you and I, here we are, we were talking about Jon Jones – Jon Jones was doing a lot of that stuff, too, bad in the day,” Dana White told assembled media at the UFC 302 press conference when asked for his opinion on footage of Conor McGregor partying in Dublin. “I don’t know what’s real on the internet and what’s not real on the internet.”
“I don’t know – timing-wise, in one of them [videos] he (Conor McGregor) has a beard and in another one, he doesn’t have a beard,” White continued. “I have no idea, I don’t know if any of that is true, or whatever. You know, Conor’s not a dumb guy. You know, this obviously a big fight for him – he’s calling it the biggest comeback in the history of sports, so we’ll see what happens. I’ll actually be with him tomorrow, so – I’m flying there (Dublin) right now.”
Who are you picking to win at UFC 303 later this month: Conor McGregor or Michael Chandler?
File under: Lowkickmma.com | Leave a comment »