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Dustin Poirier vs. Islam Makhachev: Early Head-to-Toe Breakdown for UFC 302

In the end, Dustin Poirier won the sweepstakes for the next crack at UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. The popular veteran will get his shot at the…

Islam Makhachev calls for division move after UFC 302 return: ‘I already beat everyone at lightweight’

Booked to make his return at UFC 302 at the beginning of June, Islam Makhachev claims if he dispatches…

Booked to make his return at UFC 302 at the beginning of June, Islam Makhachev claims if he dispatches incoming foe, Dustin Poirier in Newark, he immediately wants to test welterweight waters, claiming he’s already cleared out the lightweight division.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight titleholder and current pound-for-pound number one, is slated to make his first outing of the year in June, headlining UFC 302 in a title defense against former interim gold holder, Poirier.

Islam Makhachev set to fight twice this year ahead of expected UFC return — Mandatory Credit: Giuseppe Cacece

Most recently headlining UFC 294, Russian standout, Makhachev dispatched ex-featherweight kingpin, Alexander Volkanovski in the pair’s title rematch, landing a first round high-kick and strikes KO win.

Islam Makhachev eyes welterweight move after UFC 302

And despite finding himself linked with a whole slew of potential future fights at 155lbs, namely a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan, a clash with fellow European talent, Mateusz Gamrot – or a bout with recent BMF title winner, Max Holloway, Makhachev insists he wants a welterweight move after UFC 302.

UFC Saudi Arabia postponed until June amid links to Islam Makhachev comeback fight — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

“Honestly, I don’t have any exciting fights, because Dustin (Poirier) has just [a] one fight winning streak,” Islam Makhachev told The New York Post. “And, we have Arman (Tsarukyan) – but I’ve already beat this guy.”

“I don’t have some job in my division, in my opinion, honestly,” Islam Makhachev explained. “And I think I have chance, they [the UFC] have to give me the chance for a second belt. Because I’ve already beat all the all (sic) guys.”

As for incoming foe, Poirier, the Lousiana native will look to finally capture undisputed lightweight spoils at the third time of trying – earning his title tilt with a second round knockout win over French contender, Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event of UFC 299 back in March.

Islam Makhachev backed to retire from the UFC by end of next year he's cleared out 155 pounds — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Winning vacant lightweight gold back in 2022, Makhachev snapped the division-record winning run of former champion, Charles Oliveira in the pair’s long-anticipated showcase, locking up an arm-triangle submission win.

Would you like to see Islam Makhachev fight for welterweight gold after UFC 302?

Islam Makhachev predicts dominant win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302: ‘I will take his back and choke him’

Officially booked for his first Octagon outing this year for the first time since last October, undisputed lightweight champion,…

Officially booked for his first Octagon outing this year for the first time since last October, undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev has vowed to fight off any potential submission attempts from incoming foe, Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June, before wrapping up his own stoppage win from his back.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion and pound-for-pound number one, has been sidelined since October of last year, most recently ending his two-fight rivalry with ex-champion, Alexander Volkanovski in a first round high-kick and strikes KO win.

As for former interim gold holder, Poirier, the veteran lightweight staple returned to winning ways at UFC 299 back in March, landing a rallying second round KO win of his own against French contender, Benoit Saint-Denis, before campaigning for a title fight with Makhachev.

And receiving official confirmation of his comeback against Poirier at UFC 302 in June in Newark, Makhachev looks to successfully defend his 155lbs crown for the third time consecutively – in a first outing against a lightweight challenger.

Islam Makhachev predicts submission win at UFC 302

Providing his own prediction for his UFC 302 title fight topper return, Makhachev vowed to fend off any potential guillotine choke attempts from Lafayette striker, Poirier, before wrapping up his own submission win from his back.

Islam Makhachev backed to retire in two years by Daniel Cormier uFC — Mandatory Credit: Giuseppe Cacace

“Same thing – I will take him (Dustin Poirier) down, he will try to give me guillotine,” Islam Makhachev told MMA Junkie during a recent interview. “And I will take his back and choke him.”

Attempting to mint himself as the undisputed lightweight champion at the third time of trying, Louisiana native, Poirier struck himself interim gold back in 2019 with a unanimous decision win over two-time foe, Max Holloway.

Meeting Makhachev’s close friend, training partner and coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov in a title unification bout that same year, Poirier dropped a third round rear-naked choke loss in a devastating defeat.

Dustin Poirier takes issue with Joe Rogan's commentary after UFC 299 win I can't believe he said that — Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Working his way back to a title fight with common-foe, Charles Oliveira during the Brazilian’s reign back in 2021, Poirier started well against the Sao Paulo finisher before succumbing to a third round standing rear-naked choke in their main event fight.

Who wins at UFC 302 in New Jersey: Islam Makhachev or Dustin Poirier?

The 4 Best Opponents for Max Holloway After UFC 300 Win

Everybody is talking about Max Holloway. The former featherweight champ returned to action at Saturday’s UFC 300, taking on Justin Gaethje in a lightweight…

Breaking – Islam Makhachev set to fight Dustin Poirier in championship clash at UFC 302 in New Jersey

Undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev is set for his return to the Octagon for the first time this year…

Undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev is set for his return to the Octagon for the first time this year – booking a title fight defense against former interim champion, Dustin Poirier on June 1. from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion and the current pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter under the banner of the promotion, has been sidelined since he headlined UFC 294 back in October, successfully ending his rivalry with Alexander Volkanovski with a first round high-kick knockout win.

Islam Makhachev issues ultimatum to UFC I'll be ready to smash in March or see you after Ramadan — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

As for the above-mentioned ex-interim gold holder, Poirier, the Lafayette striker returned to winning ways in big style last month at UFC 299 in Miami, Florida, turning in a rallying second round knockout win over French contender, Benoit Saint Denis.

Islam Makhachev takes on Dustin Poirier at UFC 302

Following the culmination of tonight’s massive UFC 300 card, promotional CEO, Dana White confirmed the UFC 302 card in June would be topped by a lightweight championship clash between Islam Makhachev, and Dustin Poirier.

Prior to his victory over Volkanovski in October, in February of last year, Makhachev turned in a close decision win over the Australian – successfully defending his crown for the first time since he won vacant spoils against tonight’s feature, Charles Oliveira in a submission win in October the year prior.

Dustin Poirier reacts to Islam Makhachev's title fight call joke I've done more in the sport than him — Mandatory Credit: Megan Briggs

Before his knockout win over Nimes contender, Saint Denis, Poirier suffered a hellacious second round KO loss of his own to Justin Gaethje in the pair’s symbiotic BMF title fight.

And minting himself as the interim lightweight champion back in 2019, Poirier rematched newly-crowned BMF gold holder, Max Holloway in Atlanta, Georgia, turning in a unanimous decision win over the Hawaiian to win his first Octagon championship.

Islam Makhachev backed to run the gauntlet in 2024 with fights against Oliveira Poirier and Gaethje — Mandatory Credit: Giuseppe Cacace

UFC 302 takes place on June 1. from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey – with an undisputed lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier set to take headlining honors.

Who wins at UFC 302 in June: Islam Makhachev or Dustin Poirier?

Dustin Poirier reveals status of rumored title fight with Islam Makhachev: ‘I think we’re gonna hear it soon’

Dustin Poirier may not know what’s next for him inside the Octagon, but he expects that to change real…

Dustin Poirier may not know what’s next for him inside the Octagon, but he expects that to change real soon.

‘The Diamond’ is fresh off a spectacular come-from-behind victory over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299 last month. The impressive win immediately caught the attention of reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who is eager to find himself an opponent for a summertime return.

With Makahchev’s most viable title challengers — Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and Arman Tsarukyan — all booked for UFC 300 on Saturday night (April 13), Poirier looks to be in the right place at the right time.

Appearing on the This Past Weekend podcast with Theo Von, Poirier revealed that he has not yet heard from the UFC regarding his potential title fight with the ‘Dagestani Destroyer,’ but believes he’ll know something in the near future.

“I don’t know what’s next, but I think we’re gonna hear it soon,” Poirier said with confidence.

Dustin Poirier has fought for and failed to walk away with the 155-pound crown on two separate occasions, the first coming against UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov in September 2019. Poirier lost via a third-round rear-naked choke. Two years later, he fought his way back to a second title opportunity, this time against then-champion Charles Oliveira. ‘The Diamond’ suffered the same fate, tapping out to an RNC in round three.

Dustin Poirier vs. Khabib and Charles Oliveira

Poirier is 2-2 in his last four fights and is still clinging onto his spot as the No. 3 ranked lightweight in the world.

Will Dustin Poirier be the first lightweight fighter to challenge Makhachev?

As for Islam Makhachev, the lightweight king has defended his title twice since capturing his crown at UFC 280 — both against former featherweight titleholder Alexander Volkanovski. His first fight with ‘The Great’ was hailed by many as the 2023 Fight of the Year and immediately generated calls for a rematch.

Eight months later, fans got their wish. Unfortunately, the circumstances weren’t optimal, particularly for Volkanovski who stepped into the fight on 10 days’ notice. He ultimately lost the bout via a first-round head-kick KO.

If Makhachev does indeed fight Dustin Poirier later this year, it will be the Dagestani’s first time defending the strap against an actual lightweight contender.