No current champion in the UFC has more than two title defenses. Islam Makhachev would be looking to be the first to have three at UFC 302 against Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier. The Diamond is one of the best lightweights in the UFC, having defeated Conor McGregor twice, which Makhachev doesn’t hold much value to.
Makhachev was a recent guest on the Pound 4 Pound podcast. He has been dismissive of Dustin Poirier even before the fight announcement. However, Kamaru Usman, co-host of the podcast, urged Makhachev not to underestimate Poirier, citing his victories over Conor McGregor. Funnily enough, Makhachev had an interesting response to Usman’s assertion.
Why you say ‘he [Dustin Poirier] finish Conor [McGregor] twice?’ Brother, everybody can finish Conor, 10 times. Right now.
Islam Makhachev via Pound 4 Pound
Makhachev asserted McGregor is an easy fight in right now. He attributed it to the Irishman’s alleged unhealthy lifestyle. If an opportunity arises, Makhachev revealed he has no problems fighting McGregor. However, after Poirier, Arman Tsarukyan is the priority for the pound-for-pound king.
Makhachev is following in the footsteps of his mentor and best friend, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Khabib’s cousin Umar has a number one contender fight with Cory Sandhagen. Usman, Umar’s younger brother, is an undefeated lightweight champion, presently with PFL. Magomed Ankalaev, also from Dagestan, is one of the best at light heavyweight.
Islam Makhachev reveals the reason for the success of fighters from Dagestan
Legendary UFC champion Royce Gracie was a recent guest on the Joe Rogan Experience. On the podcast, Gracie attributed the success of the Dagestani fighters to discipline and focus. Gracie had recently converted to Islam and was thus privy to the Dagestanis, who are predominantly Muslim.
Islam Makhachev (Image via: IMAGO)On the Pound 4 Pound podcast, co-host Henry Cejudo asked why many successful MMA fighters are from Dagestan. Makhachev’s response was not similar to Gracie’s but was almost along the same line. For Makhachev, the truth was visible inside the gyms in the UFC.
It’s the competition inside the gym, you know, like in Dagestan. All the wrestling gyms are full, with more than 100 people training there. For example, our gym has Sambo classes, MMA classes, and wrestling classes for the kids. All the classes are full; we don’t have enough space for training. Everybody wants to train…The competition inside the gym makes you better every day…iron sharpens iron.
Islam Makhachev via Pound 4 Pound
Makhachev’s previous two title defenses were against Alexander Volkanovski, the featherweight champion at the time. As such, he has faced criticism for not having a title defense against a lightweight. Therefore, he wants to make a statement at UFC 302 against Dustin Poirier.
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