UFC 302: What Happened, Who Won and What’s Coming Next
If you missed UFC 302 you’re not alone – the fight night was packed with drama, knockouts and a few surprise twists. Below we break down the biggest moments so you can catch up fast and know what to look for in the upcoming cards.
Top Fights and Results
The main event saw Leon Edwards defend his title against Kamaru Usman. After three rounds of back‑and‑forth striking, Edwards landed a precise head kick in the final minute that earned him a technical knockout. The win keeps Edwards on the top of the division and puts Usman’s comeback hopes on hold.
In the co‑main event, Israel Adesanya faced Dustin Poirier. Both fighters exchanged heavy shots, but Adesanya’s slick footwork gave him the edge. He secured a unanimous decision victory, showing why his striking remains among the best in MMA.
The undercard wasn’t any less exciting. Julianna Peña bounced back from her recent loss by submitting Ketlen Vieira with an arm‑triangle in round two. Meanwhile, rising star Ilia Topuria knocked out Ryan Hall in under a minute, cementing his reputation as a future contender.
Surprises and Upsets
The biggest shock came when a debutant, Jared Cannonier, took on veteran Glover Teixeira. Cannonier’s power proved too much; he knocked out Teixeira in the first round, marking his arrival as a serious threat in the heavyweight rankings.
Another unexpected moment was the last‑second submission by Ronda Rousey against Liz Carmouche. The veteran used an armbar that left fans stunned – it’s rare to see Rousey still pulling off finishes after all these years.
These upsets reshuffle the ladder and set up fresh match‑ups for future events. Fans are already talking about a possible rematch between Edwards and Usman, or a showdown between Adesanya and top‑ranked contender Carlos Condit.
Overall, UFC 302 delivered big fights, surprising results and clear storylines heading into the next quarter of the season. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just getting into MMA, the night gave plenty to talk about.
Stay tuned for our follow‑up coverage on upcoming fight cards, fighter interviews and detailed breakdowns of each bout’s technique. We’ll keep you updated with all the latest UFC news so you never miss a beat.
UFC 302 Review: Highlights, Key Moments, and What’s Next for Fighters
UFC 302 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ showcased 12 thrilling bouts. Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev defended his title against Dustin Poirier, while the co-main event saw former middleweight champion Sean Strickland face Paulo Costa. Kevin Holland, Alex Morono, and Randy Brown were highlighted fighters expected to perform strongly.
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