Reigning 155lbs king Islam Makhachev and title challenger Dustin Poirier square off at UFC 302. The duo attended the pre-fight media day to promote the upcoming PPV. Makhachev and Poirier talked about a big game in the lead-up to the fight. As such, ‘The Diamond’ has taken offense to the lightweight champion making a bold claim.
Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) will enter the cage first at the Prudential Center, followed by Islam Makhachev. By his admission, this could be his last shot at the gold. Makhachev has taken it to mean that the 35-year-old and his corner will have an innate fear of being unable to win when the Louisiana native steps into the cage. Poirier has now fired back at his opponent.
I can definitely win this fight, If I touch his chin, he’ll go down…and he’ll find that out on Saturday. Maybe that’s something he doesn’t need to believe… But if you don’t think I have a chance to win, you’re lying to yourself…Over the years, if anything, I’ve learned…is the media, my opponents, their camps, and the critics don’t matter, bro. It’s in my hands…I’m the only guy who has the opportunity to make this happen…under those lights on Saturday.
Dustin Poirier to assembled media scrum at UFC 302 pre-fight Media Day conference
The former interim champion’s pre-fight talk has all led to him finalizing his legacy. Wanting to be more present for his wife and daughter, Dustin Poirier has said he doesn’t prefer climbing up the contention ladder. However, the 32-year Dagestani fighter took it to mean that even his coach believed he could not win, supporting his choice.
Islam Makhachev declares himself the “best fighter in the world” heading into his fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302:
“He doesn’t believe he can beat me. His coach doesn’t believe he can beat me.” pic.twitter.com/lTVY2HCJ7j
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) May 29, 2024
Poirier knows all the pre-fight talk and camp politics mean nothing, as it all boils down to execution. The challenger says he’s “sharp as a diamond.” Speaking to ESPN MMA’s Andreas Hale, he even doused a Zen clarity, subsequently saying that destiny does not make mistakes. Poirier believes he’ll get the gold if it’s meant to be. As such, underestimating him will be a fool’s errand.
Islam Makhachev considers himself the world’s best and thinks fearful Dustin Poirier does too
Dustin Poirier is edging closer to a possible final shot at the undisputed UFC lightweight championship. This time, his confidence may be higher than ever. However, reigning P4P and 155-pound king Islam Makhachev thinks the Louisiana native might lack confidence in going up against him.
Islam Makhachev touts himself better in MMA fighting than striker Dustin Poirier (Source: threads.net › UFC (@ufc) on Threads/UFC.go.com)The current lightweight champion talked a big game during the UFC 302 pre-fight media scrum. Makhachev talked about the stylistic advantage he holds and considered his MMA skill superior to that of Poirier’s.
He doesn’t believe he can beat me. His coach doesn’t believe he can beat me. I know I can make this fight easy…Yeah, I will finish him because I’m on a different level, I’m the best fighter in the world right now. … Honestly, my style is the worst style for him. He can beat some striker. He can be one of the best strikers in this game, but we’re not strikers. We’re MMA fighters. My skills are on a different level.
Islam Makhachev via UFC 302 pre-fight Media Day conference
The American has made two previous bids for the undisputed title, falling short against Makachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Charles Oliveira. A rear-naked choke sealed Poirier’s fate in both fights and Makhachev has the capability to get the job done.
Accordingly, longtime ATT coach Mike Brown said they had plans to counter Makhachev. Acknowledging where they fell short, Brown nudged they had patched up the holes with an anti-wrestling approach. This acknowledgment, with a mix of retirement talks, makes Islam Makhachev think that Poirier is afraid.
Contrarily, his confidence does not translate to disrespect. Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) later said Poirier is an all-time “Top five” fighter at lightweight. Hence, the lightweight champion values what a win over the ‘Diamond’ would mean for his legacy.
