UFC 302: Makhachev vs Poirier

 On a thrilling night in Newark, N.J., UFC delivered an unforgettable event headlined by an electrifying clash between UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier. The highly anticipated bout lived up to its expectations, earning the Fight of the Night honors and captivating the audience with nonstop action.

### Main Event: Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier
In the main event, Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier in a bout that had fans on the edge of their seats. The fight showcased Makhachev's superior grappling and Poirier's resilient striking. The judges scored the bout as follows:

- Judge 1: 48-47 Makhachev
- Judge 2: 49-46 Makhachev

- Judge 3: 48-47 Makhachev

Makhachev retained his title by unanimous decision, demonstrating his dominance in the lightweight division.

### Co-Main Event: Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko
The co-main event featured a highly anticipated rematch between Amanda Nunes and Valentina Shevchenko. Both fighters delivered a technical and strategic bout that went the distance. The scorecards reflected the closely contested nature of the fight:

- Judge 1: 48-47 Nunes
- Judge 2: 48-47 Shevchenko
- Judge 3: 48-47 Nunes

Amanda Nunes won by a split decision, reaffirming her position as one of the greatest female fighters in UFC history.

### Featured Bout: Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa
In another thrilling matchup, Robert Whittaker faced Paulo Costa in a middleweight bout that promised fireworks. The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters having their moments. The judges scored the bout:

- Judge 1: 50-45 Whittaker
- Judge 2: 49-46 Whittaker
- Judge 3: 48-47 Whittaker

Robert Whittaker emerged victorious by unanimous decision, solidifying his status as a top contender in the middleweight division.

### Preliminary Card Highlights
The preliminary card also featured several notable fights that kept the judges busy:

1. **Sean O'Malley vs. Marlon Vera**
   - Judge 1: 29-28 O'Malley
   - Judge 2: 29-28 Vera
   - Judge 3: 29-28 O'Malley
   - **Winner:** Sean O'Malley by split decision

2. **Tony Ferguson vs. Dan Hooker**
   - Judge 1: 30-27 Hooker
   - Judge 2: 29-28 Ferguson
   - Judge 3: 30-27 Hooker
   - **Winner:** Dan Hooker by unanimous decision

3. **Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza**
   - Judge 1: 29-28 Namajunas
   - Judge 2: 29-28 Esparza
   - Judge 3: 30-27 Namajunas
   - **Winner:** Rose Namajunas by split decision

### Undercard Results
The undercard provided additional excitement and showcased up-and-coming talent:

1. **Khamzat Chimaev vs. Neil Magny**
   - Judge 1: 30-27 Chimaev
   - Judge 2: 30-26 Chimaev
   - Judge 3: 30-27 Chimaev
   - **Winner:** Khamzat Chimaev by unanimous decision

2. **Jorge Masvidal vs. Michael Chiesa**
   - Judge 1: 29-28 Masvidal
   - Judge 2: 29-28 Masvidal
   - Judge 3: 29-28 Chiesa
   - **Winner:** Jorge Masvidal by split decision

3. **Holly Holm vs. Aspen Ladd**
   - Judge 1: 30-27 Holm
   - Judge 2: 29-28 Ladd
   - Judge 3: 30-27 Holm
   - **Winner:** Holly Holm by unanimous decision

### Conclusion
The UFC event in Newark, N.J., delivered a night of incredible fights and memorable moments. With the Fight of the Night accolade going to the main event between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier, fans were treated to high-level MMA action that highlighted the skill and determination of the fighters. The judges were kept busy with several close contests, underscoring the competitive nature of the bouts throughout the card.