Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier are ready to go to war.
UFC 302 is nearly upon us. In the main event, the Lightweight champion, Makhachev, can tie the divisional title defense record at three with a win over Poirier this weekend (Sat., June 1, 2024).
In his third attempt at holding undisputed gold, Poirier is a live dog in the betting odds. The fight is largely perceived as “The Diamond’s” last chance to hold a world title and he’s treating it as such with full confidence that he’ll come through. The pair met on stage for their first staredown at the pre-fight press conference today (Thurs., May 30, 2024). Exchanging words, the tension grew thicker than many may have expected.
“I’m gonna knock your ass out, brother,” Poirier said. “Sleep. I’m gonna sleep stop you. You’re gonna be diving for my legs. You’re gonna be layin’ and prayin’. You’re going to sleep, motherf—ker.”
“Don’t say motherf—ker,” Makhachev replied.
Poirier repeated it before both started getting held back. “I have respect for you, brother,” Poirier then said.
In 26 fights, the 32-year-old Makhachev has only lost once when he suffered a first round knockout to Adriano Martins in his second UFC appearance in October 2015. He’s been flawless ever since, winning 13 straight.
Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 302 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6:15 p.m. ET (simulcast on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. ET), before the pay-per-view (PPV) main card start time at 10 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).
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