No one expected Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier to have a heated face-off and press conference. The duo entered fight mode and exchanged harsh warnings ahead of UFC 302’s title fight. While Makhachev was sneaky with his sarcastic comments, Dustin Poirier chose a rather direct approach.
Going into the main event, both fighters are dialed in to make history. Ahead of the fight, Dustin Poirier has revealed that he might consider retirement after 302. The champion didn’t lose the opportunity to mock the ‘Diamond’ regarding it. In response, Poirier made his plans clear in front of the crowd.
I’m gonna pry that belt out of your hands bro, Saturday night.
Dustin Poirier via UFC 302 pre-fight press conference
The animosity that started there was carried by both the fighters to the face-off. Inches away from each other, Islam Makhachev snapped at Poirier for disrespecting him. It is a well-known fact that both Poirier and Makhachev are respectable fighters. However, this time, it seems like the stakes are much higher.
Islam Makhachev: “This is [Dustin’s] last chance. This is maybe his last fight. [He’s] not focused for the fight.”
Dustin Poirier: “I’m gonna pry that belt out of your hands bro, Saturday night.”#UFC302 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/4ctb76Jo4i
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 30, 2024
Dustin Poirier has competed in the UFC for a long time and has fought the best fighters in history. According to experts like Michael Bisping, his resume is way better than Islam Makhachev’s. On the other hand, the ‘Diamond’ has consistently failed to capture the undisputed belt. This time, things are looking good, according to the Louisiana native.
UFC 302 is Dustin Poirier’s last chance to become one of the greatest
The lightweight division has always remained one of the most competitive in the history of UFC. Fighters such as BJ Penn, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Charles Oliveira are considered the greatest in the division. According to Dustin Poirier, he’s not far from being regarded as one of the best.
Dustin Poirier wants to be one of the greatest lightweights of all time (via Instagram) In a recent interview on ESPN First Take, Poirier revealed that the lightweight fight at UFC 302 is the last chapter of his quest. The fighter mentioned wanting to attain a grand status in the lightweight division.
I think I’m knocking on the door. If I win this undisputed belt on June 1, you can stack my résumé against any other 155-pound fighter in the world. I think I’m close to being the greatest.
Dustin Poirier via ESPN First Take
Poirier has taken this title fight very seriously. He remains confident about his chances of knocking out Islam Makhachev in the early rounds. On the other hand, the Dagestani doesn’t think Poirier can become the next champion. Nevertheless, all the questions will be answered at the Prudential Center this weekend.
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