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Islam Makhachev closing as big betting favorite to beat Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 this weekend in New Jersey

Opening as a significant betting favorite to successfully defend his lightweight crown this weekend against Dustin Poirier, undisputed champion,…

Opening as a significant betting favorite to successfully defend his lightweight crown this weekend against Dustin Poirier, undisputed champion, Islam Makhachev is now closing as a big favorite to beat the Lafayette native in their UFC 302 headliner.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion and pound-for-pound number one, is slated to return to the Octagon for the first time this year – this weekend, as he takes on Lafayette veteran, Poirier at UFC 302 in New Jersey.

As for Poirier, the Louisana native has been sidelined since he turned in a second round rallying knockout win over the surging, Benoit Saint-Denis back in February at UFC 299.

Islam Makhachev remains huge favorite to beat Dustin Poirier

And opening as a big betting underdog to beat Islam Makhachev this weekend, Dustin Poirier is drawing a sizeable +255 betting line to topple the immovable Russian – who himself is a massive -370 betting favorite.

Fans hoping to get in on the late action this weekend at UFC 302 in the promotion’s return to the East Coast can still bet up until the bout – and even enjoy some notable prop bets during the action. And for fans and punters of a host of casino slots can also utilize slotcalender.us to find the best and most well-recognized slot games.

Islam Makhachev expects easy fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 I'm ready for your guillotine — Mandatory Credit: Justin White – Triple MMA

Returning for the first time since closing the door definitively on his rivalry with former featherweight kingpin, Alexander Volkanovski back in October of last year, Makhachev finished the Australian with a blistering round high-kick knockout in their Abu Dhabi.

And hoping to dismantle Poirier with aplomb this weekend in Newark, Islam Makhachev laid out a very concise plan to submit the Lafayette striker – with his coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov backing his student to end the bout inside the opening 10 minutes of their headliner.

“Many people underestimate Dustin Poirier,” Khabib Nurmagomedov said. “I personally fought him, spent three and over 10 minutes with him, and I have a good sense of his strengths and weaknesses. We are working hard on these aspects.”

“Dustin Poirier is very experienced; he’s been in many battles already,” Khabib Nurmagomedov explained. “Yes, he has lost, but he also has many victories in the UFC, more than 22 or 23 wins. Using our slang, he is a seasoned warrior. You can’t take him lightly. We have great respect for Dustin, but on June 1. he is our opponent. We have a clearly developed plan for the fight, and I believe Islam (Makhachev) will follow it. I really hope that Islam will finish him off in the second or third round.”

Dustin Poirier vows to knock out Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 the ref's gonna be pulling me off of him — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

However, as for Poirier, the former interim champion – who toppled Max Holloway back in 2019 in a rematch to land gold, claimed he would not be surprised if it transpired Islam Makhachev was significantly underestimating the challenge he brings at UFC 302.

“I haven’t been keeping up a whole lot but when I was at the gym, Mike Brown told me, ‘Man, i think this guy (Islam Makhachev) may be underestimating your Jiu-Jitsu and underestimating how dangerous you are.’” Dustin Poirier said. “I think what he was referring to was an interview with Islam saying, ‘This is an easy fight for me.’ I was tagged in a bunch of stuff on Instagram and Twitter of him saying that.”

“And I don’t know, maybe he goes about all fights like that, but I can finish and beat anybody at 155 pounds in the world,” Dustin Poirier explained. “I really believe that. And he doesn’t have to believe it. I’m the one who has to believe it and go out there and beat his a**. I can do that.”

Who are you backing this weekend to win at UFC 302: Islam Makhachev or Dustin Poirier?

Islam Makhachev plays down Khabib Nurmagomedov similarities pre-UFC 302: ‘He had his time, now it’s mine’

Undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev has played down comparisons between himself and former division titleholder, Khabib Nurmagomedov – claiming…

Undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev has played down comparisons between himself and former division titleholder, Khabib Nurmagomedov – claiming that while the Hall of Fame star had his time of dominance, it’s not his time to take the mantle.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight gold holder and the current pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter under the banner of the promotion, is slated to return to the Octagon this weekend in New Jersey, headlining UFC 302.

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

Taking on former interim titleholder, Dustin Poirier, Russian standout, Makhachev will look to land his third consecutive successful defense of the divisional crown – following back-to-back victories over former undisputed featherweight kingpin, Alexander Volkanovski.

Khabib Nurmagomedov linked with fighting return amid alleged tax bill from Russia we might see him back in the UFC — Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

Islam Makhachev talks Khabib Nurmagomedov comparisons

And receiving a host of comparisons to Nurmagomedov – who coached Makhachev to a stunning vacant championship victory against former gold holder, Charles Oliveira back in 2022, played down their similarities, claiming his time is now.

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

“People say I’m Khabib’s (Nurmagomedov) protégé,” Islam Makhachev said during UFC 302 Countdown. “But now I have the belt, and now I’m number one in the pound-for-pound rankings. Khabib had his time, and right now, it’s my time.

As for Poirier, the Louisana veteran will look to land undisputed lightweight spoils at the third time of trying – earning his showdown with Makhachev following an impressive rallying win back in March at UFC 299.

Drawing surging Frenchman, Benoit Saint-Denis in a co-main event slot, Poirier turned in an impressive second round knockout win over the Nimes native, before staking his claim – ultimately successfully for a shot at the divisional crown.

Poirier first landed interim lightweight gold back in 2019 in a decision rematch victory against former featherweight kingpin, Max Holloway.

Who wins this weekend in Newark: Islam Makhachev or Dustin Poirier?

Alexander Volkanovski picks Islam Makhachev to finish Dustin Poirier at UFC 302: ‘It’s gonna be a submission’

Former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski wouldn’t be surprised if Dustin Poirier caught Islam Makhachev and knocked him out…

Former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski wouldn’t be surprised if Dustin Poirier caught Islam Makhachev and knocked him out at UFC 302.

Poirier is set to face Makhachev for the lightweight title in the main event of UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey on June 1. Heading into the fight, Poirier is a sizeable underdog, but Volkanovski, who fought Makhachev twice, thinks the champ fights safe, which could allow Poirier the chance to catch the champ.

“Islam’s gonna be too good,” Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel. “I think he’s too safe of a fighter to make mistakes where he’s gonna get caught against someone like Dustin Poirier. Dustin Poirier is a great fighter. I just think it’s a hard fight for anybody and I don’t see anyone beating Islam for a while. Unless they catch him, right?”

Makhachev’s lone career loss is by knockout, while Poirier has won 15 times by knockout, so KO’ing the champ isn’t out of the question.

Alexander Volkanovski explains how Dustin Poirier could catch Islam Makhachev

Although Dustin Poirier is a big underdog heading into UFC 302, Alexander Volkanovski says Islam Makhachev’s style does play into Poirier.

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

Volkanovski believes the way Makhachev sets up his takedowns could allow Dustin Poirier to land an uppercut or knee which could hurt the champ.

“He doesn’t like to come in straight when he feels in danger,” Volkanovski said of Makhachev. “He’ll make sure he’s off center. His head is off line and then he gets himself back into a better posture as he’s taking you down. Khabib was like this as well. The posture is not right, but he’s doing this to keep his head off center and not in the firing line, and he still does a great takedown from there.

Alexander Volkanovski calls for UFC 300 title rematch with Islam Makhachev that makes sense

“But now he’s gonna be doing that with a southpaw fighter. So you dip, you’re gonna be a lot more comfortable shooting. So if someone pressures you and gets you off guard, or your instinct reaction is to shoot, most of the time you’re shooting against orthodox fighters, your head’s gonna dip to that side. Now you’re dipping to the power side of Poirier because he’s southpaw. Power side uppercuts, power side kicks, power side knees,” Volkanovski added.

If Poirier does KO Makhachev it would be one of the biggest upsets in recent UFC history.

Video – Khabib Nurmagomedov pushes Islam Makhachev to the limit in training: ‘Go home to your mom’

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov had an intense coaching session for Islam Makhachev ahead of his UFC 302…

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov had an intense coaching session for Islam Makhachev ahead of his UFC 302 title defense against Dustin Poirier.

Nurmagomedov is the coach of Makhachev and ahead of his fight against Poirier, ‘The Eagle’ was putting Makhachev through an intense training session. Not only was the training intense, but Khabib Nurmagomedov went viral for his speech as he told Makhachev to go to his mom

“Go home to your mom and then you won’t feel the pain. Here until death,” Nurmagomedov said on UFC Countdown.

It was intense from Nuragomedov, which isn’t a surprise as the training sessions for the Dagestani’s have been known to be tough and ‘The Eagle’ wasn’t going to let Makhachev get off easy.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Predicts Islam Makhachev will finish Dustin Poirier

Khabib Nurmagomedov is familiar with Dustin Poirier as he submitted ‘The Diamond’ in 2019 in his second last fight.

With Nurmagomedov having success against Poirier, he expects his pupil in Islam Makhachev to have a similar result. But, Nurmagomedov thinks Makhachev will do it quicker than he did.

“Many people underestimate Dustin Poirier,” Nurmagomedov said on his YouTube channel. “I personally fought him, spent three rounds and over 10 minutes with him, and I have a good sense of his strengths and weaknesses. We are working hard on these aspects… “We have great respect for Dustin, but on June 1, he is our opponent. We have a clearly developed plan for the fight, and I believe Islam will follow it. I really hope that Islam will finish him off in the second or third round.”

Dustin Poirier weighs up retirement ahead of UFC 302 this could be my last fight — Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro – USA TODAY Sports

If Makhachev does finish Poirier in the first or second round at UFC 302 it would be a statement-making win. It would add to his legacy and would extend his win streak to 14, which would be the third-longest winning streak in UFC history behind Kamaru Usman at 15 and Anderson Silva at 16.

Islam Makhachev takes issues with new gloves ahead of UFC 302 fight with Dustin Poirier: ‘They will cause more cuts’

Reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is not a big fan of the new UFC gloves. Last month the…

Reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is not a big fan of the new UFC gloves.

Last month the UFC unveiled their new gloves, the new version has reduced the weight in the glove and has been designed for ‘better ergonomics’. Golden gloves will also now be worn by title holders during championship fights.

We have been working on these gloves over the past few years with the best designers, engineers, and athletes in the world,” said UFC CEO and President Dana White of the new gloves.

“This redesign will truly be a game changer for the entire sport of MMA. These gloves will feel lighter, fit fighters’ hands better, prevent injuries, and provide maximum flexibility during the fights. You’ll start to see these in competition this summer.”

Islam Makhachev criticizes new UFC gloves

This weekend Makhachev will defend his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 302.

During media for his upcoming event, Islam Makhachev was asked about the new gloves he would be wearing. In response, The 32-year-old seemed pleased about the new gold design and claimed he would frame them with his belt.

However, rather worryingly, Makahcev suggested that new gloves would actually cause more cuts.

“The new gloves are very stiff,” Makhachev said in an interview with Sport 24. “They will cause more cuts, as the previous UFC gloves were softer. These are stiffer. They don’t let you fully open your hand just to make sure the fingers don’t extend straight forward.”

“But overall they are pretty much the same,” he continued. “I am going to frame them next to the belt as the first golden gloves in the UFC. I believe that means a lot.”

Hopefully Makhachev is wrong about his assessment — the last thing anyone wants is more cuts…

Who wins this weekend, Islam Makhachev or Dustin Poirier?

Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals ‘Clear plan’ for Islam Makhachev to finish Dustin Poirier in UFC 302 title fight

Former undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov claims a firm plan is in place for his countryman, Islam Makhachev to…

Former undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov claims a firm plan is in place for his countryman, Islam Makhachev to beat incoming common-foe, Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 this weekend – claiming a second or third round finish should be on the cards.

Nurmagomedov, a former undisputed lightweight champion and Hall of Fame inductee, called time on his unbeaten professional career back in 2020 following a successful title unification win over then-interim champion, Justin Gaethje.

And returning to the camp of Makhachev last week in Newark ahead of the current titleholder’s showdown with former interim best, Poirier in New Jersey in the main event of UFC 302 this weekend, it is currently unclear if the Dagestan native will feature as a cornerman at the Prudential Center.

Khabib Nurmagomedov shares prediction for UFC 302

Khabib Nurmagomedov allowed Dustin Poirier to put him in guillotine choke in 2019 title fight he told me — Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam – USA TODAY Sports

However, sharing his immediate thoughts on the clash, Nurmagomedov claims Makhachev should have many openings in the second or third round to turn in a finish over Lafayette favorite, Poirier – who admitted he may likely call time on his own run in the sport.

“Many people underestimate Dustin Poirier,” Khabib Nurmagomedov said on his YouTube channel. “I personally fought him, spent three and over 10 minutes with him, and I have a good sense of his strengths and weaknesses. We are working hard on these aspects.”

Do you agree with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s prediction for UFC 302?