Cody Rhodes became the undisputed WWE champion with a victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL. The way Rhodes became the champion was out of the story books (due credit to Triple H). In the UFC, fight fans hope for something similar with Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Rhodes seems to want it as well.
WrestleMania XL was the first WrestleMania after the WWE-UFC merger under the TKO banner. With Triple H at the helm, the event was a success, garnering praise from several UFC stars like Daniel Cormier, Bo Nickal, and others. Cody Rhodes has now recently cut a terrific promo for Poirier.
You’re ‘The Diamond’. And even though you may not be able to avenge that Khabib [Nurmagomedov] loss, you could do the next best thing and take out his prized pupil instead…It won’t be easy but it never is for guys like us. So go on, Dustin. Finish your story.
Cody Rhodes via ESPN
Rhodes found similarities between himself and Poirier. He found Poirier’s loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov similar to his loss to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. However, Rhodes became champion with a win over Roman Reigns, Rock’s teammate. As such, Poirier could do the same against Islam Makhachev, Nurmagomedov’s teammate.
Poirier is a big betting underdog in the fight against Makhachev. However, many have predicted Poirier to spring an upset. Some have even predicted Poirier would submit Makhachev with a guillotine. Poirier had caught Nurmagomedov in a guillotine but couldn’t finish it. If Poirer did it against Makhachev, it would be a scene straight out of a movie.
Jalin Turner previews Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier
Jalin Turner was the unluckiest fighter at UFC 300. Turner had an opportunity to bag a first-round finish at the event against Renato Moicano. However, he didn’t go for follow-up shots after dropping the Brazilian, who returned stronger in the second round and won via TKO.
Jalin Turner previews Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier (Image via: IMAGO, Instagram)At the time, Turner faced criticism for his action, but he recently revealed on the JAXXON podcast that it was due to PTSD from his previous fight against Bobby Green, where the referee was late to stop the fight. He also previewed Poirier vs. Makhachve on the podcast.
Dustin [Poirier] is durable. He’s a vet. He’s durable, he always comes to fight, he’s always game. He can endure a lot…Islam [Makhachev] has world-class grappling, out of this world, and his striking has actually gotten a lot better.
Jalin Turner via JAXXON podcast
However, Turner refused to pick the winner of the two. Nonetheless, he praised Makhachev for his victory against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. Turner liked how Makhachev set up Volkanovski with body kicks before he went for the head kicks.
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