UFC 302 – Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier LIVE: Start time, fight card, scorecards and updates as Nurmagomedov’s protege looks to defend his lightweight title against the American fighter

LEO CALLAO IN NEW JERSEY: Jailton Almedia made quick work of Alexandr Romanov in their heavyweight showdown.

After scoring a takedown seconds into the fight, the Brazilian stayed on top and transitioned to his opponent’s back to secure a first round rear naked choke finish.

LEO CALLAO IN NEW JERSEY: After opening the fight with a failed flying-knee attempt, Grant Dawson used his dominant wrestling and stayed on top of Joe Solecki for majority of the contest.

Boos rained down from the crowd as Solecki frustratedly fought on his back for nearly 15 minutes. Nevertheless, Dawson’s game plan earned him a unanimous decision, 29-28, 30-27, 30-27.

LEO CALLAO IN NEW JERSEY: The Prudential Center began filling up during the early prelims, in which hometown hero Mickey Gall put on a show despite losing to Bassil Hafez.

The New Jersey crowd has been actively cheering through the preliminary fights chants for UFC Chief Dana White repeatedly echoing around the arena.

The Jets quarterback has taken his seat in the arena. He’s expected to be joined by former President Donald Trump.

No sign of the Donald yet, though.

In the first prelim bout of the night, Australia’s Jake Matthews kept American Phil Rowe at bay to earn a unanimous decision win.

Matthews controlled the tempo with effective striking for 15 minutes, not allowing Rowe to get his momentum. Rowe landed 36 percent of his strikes to Matthews’ 47 percent. The judges scored it 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27 in Matthews’ favour.

Thank you for joining us for our coverage of UFC 302 in New Jersey.

We will have all the action live ahead of the main event, when Islam Makhachev takes on Dustin Poirier!