Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) notched his third title defense when he submitted Poirier in Round 5 at UFC 302 in June. Makhachev, who’s dominated most of his opposition throughout his career, was surprised with how competitive “The Diamond” made things.

Sentiment was low for Poirier, whom many considered undeserving of the title shot. ‘The Diamond’ earned his fight off the back of knocking out the surging Benoit Saint-Denis, but otherwise, he was 3-2 in his last five performances. This reflected in the bookies, who had Poirier as a +360 underdog.