On This Day: Makhachev Submitted Poirier in R5 to Retain Lightweight Title

Two years ago today, Islam Makhachev retained the UFC lightweight championship by submitting Dustin Poirier in round five, finishing the fight with his trademark D'arce choke in what was described as a genuinely competitive five-round contest.

Makhachev, now 34, carries a 28-1-0 professional record and holds the current pound-for-pound number-one ranking. The Russian fighter, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is a technically precise competitor whose game is built around elite grappling. He averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and connects on 58 percent of his significant strikes, making him one of the most accurate and suffocating fighters on the roster. The D'arce choke finish was entirely consistent with his submission-oriented style, which generates 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.

Poirier, known as The Diamond, entered the fight as one of the most accomplished lightweights of his generation. The 37-year-old American, who represents American Top Team, holds a 30-10-0 record and is one of the division's most prolific strikers, landing 5.24 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy. A southpaw standing five-foot-nine with a 72-inch reach, Poirier also brings a well-rounded threat on the ground with 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes of his own.

Why it matters

• The finish cemented Makhachev's hold on the lightweight title against one of the division's most dangerous challengers
• Poirier's inability to secure the victory marked the end of his pursuit of undisputed UFC gold, according to the summary
• The bout highlighted the contrast in styles between Makhachev's grappling-first approach and Poirier's high-volume striking output
• Makhachev's current pound-for-pound top ranking reflects the lasting significance of performances like this one