Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev will headline UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey. Poirier got the opportunity due to a series of results and timing going his way. Nonetheless, he is a sizeable underdog going into the fight against the pound-for-pound king. Makahchev had already stated Poirier was an easy matchup for him, to which Poirier responded in kind.
Poirier got the opportunity afterward, as he was the only big name in the top 5 of the rankings available to fight. Makhachev wanted to fight in June, and number one contender Arman Tsarukyan, who fought at UFC 300, did not want to make a quick turnaround. Nonetheless, Poirier has responded to Makhachev’s subtle trolls in his signature style in his appearance on the Fight Bananas Show.
Probably with a hook, cross, maybe uppercut. That’s probably how I’d respond to that [Islam Makhachev’s criticism].
Dustin Poirier via Fight Bananas Show
If victorious against Makhachev, which is a huge if, the Diamond from Lafayette, Louisiana, would potentially open the doors for a fourth fight with Conor McGregor. For it to happen, McGregor would have to win his main event fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 303.
Poirier has fought twice for the undisputed lightweight title and once for the BMF title, losing all. However, he was the former interim champion of the division. If Poirier upset the odds against Makhachev, it would be a Cinderella story akin to that of James J. Braddock.
Islam Makhachev’s criticism of Dustin Poirier’s fighting style
Dustin Poirier’s ambitions of becoming an undisputed champion fell short due to losses to Charles Oliveira and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Both of them submitted Poirier via rear naked choke in their respective fights. Nonetheless, Poirier did have his moments against both of them.
Islam Makhachev criticizes Dustin Poirier (Image via: IMAGO)As such, Islam Makhachev is not taking Poirier lightly, as revealed in his interview with TMZ Sports. However, he did state Poirier’s style is stylistically not effective against his style even though he called Poirier a legend of the game.
His [Dustin Poirier’s] problem is his style. Just one problem this guy has, his weak point; his wrestling and grappling. And I just, you know, I have the key for the easy fight. And I think if I follow the plan, I can beat him…My style. My style and Khabib’s style, it’s a worse style for a guy like Dustin.
Islam Makhachev via TMZ Sports
For Makhachev, a victory over Poirier would potentially put him in a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 307 in UAE. Makhachev had expressed interest in fighting at Madison Square Garde, but it remains unlikely.
!
