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Dustin Poirier vows to ‘Sleep’ Islam Makhachev during heated UFC 302 presser: ‘Listen to your coaches and box with me’

Islam Makhachev vows to sleep Dustin Poirier at heated UFC 302 press conference listen to your coaches and box with me Appearing at tonight’s official pre-fight press conference ahead of UFC 302, former interim lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier most definitely…

Appearing at tonight’s official pre-fight press conference ahead of UFC 302, former interim lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier most definitely entered with a chip on his shoulder before his fight with Islam Makhachev, vowing to “sleep” the Russian in their championship clash this weekend.

Poirier, a former interim lightweight gold holder and the current number four ranked divisional contender, returns this weekend at the Prudential Center in New Jersey, attempting to land the undisputed lightweight crown at the third time of trying in a showdown with Makhachev.

Landing an impressive knockout win over Benoit Saint Denis back in March at UFC 299, Dustin Poirier vowed to “sleep” Makhachev this weekend in Newark, encouraging the Russian to believe the apparent hype regarding his striking prowess and throw down with him.

Himself sidelined since October of last year, Makhachev most recently turned in his own spectacular win at UFC 294 against former champion, Alexander Volkanovski, finishing the Australian with a blistering opening round high-kick knockout.

And sharing the stage with middleweight talents, Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa – who take co-main event honors in a five round clash in New Jersey, Poirier and Makhachev who have engaged in a rather heated pre-fight back-and-forth, immediately exchanged words during respective questioning.

Urging the American Kickboxing Academy staple to stand and trade with him if he is under the impression he can hang with him on the feet, with Makhachev claiming he would either knock him out, or either put him to sleep via submission.

Dustin Poirier, Islam Makhachev separated during heated UFC 302 presser

Accepting that the pairing would likely fail to meet the 25 minute limit this weekend in their UFC 302 headliner, Poirier held a hugely intense face-off with Makhachev during their staredown, with the duo exchanging verbals, and appearing to almost get physical at one point.

This face off between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier went long and oh my goodness it was incredible. pic.twitter.com/ESIgmOxqUd

— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) May 30, 2024

Appearing to take umbrage with use of expletives from Poirier during their staredown, Makhachev closed the distance on the Lafayette striker, urging him from refrain from swearing, with Poirier doubling down – resulting in the pair being corralled by Octagon officials.

MAKHACHEV vs POIRIER! #UFC302 is LIVE SATURDAY on @ESPNPlus PPV! pic.twitter.com/GJE5UhHxlP

— danawhite (@danawhite) May 30, 2024

Who wins this weekend at UFC 302: Islam Makhachev or Dustin Poirier?

Dustin Poirier picks ‘Matador’ Conor McGregor to finish Michael Chandler at UFC 303: ‘He’s gonna stop this guy’

Ahead of his own return at UFC 302 this weekend, Dustin Poirier is picking his former-foe, Conor McGregor to…

Ahead of his own return at UFC 302 this weekend, Dustin Poirier is picking his former-foe, Conor McGregor to topple another prior opponent, Michael Chandler at UFC 303 at the end of next month, claiming the latter has an ability to find himself in needless trouble through his foot work.

Poirier, a former interim champion at the lightweight limit, returns this weekend at UFC 302, attempting to strike undisputed gold at the third time of trying, as he takes on pound-for-pound number one, Islam Makhachev.

And fighting McGregor three times during their distinct Octagon rivalry, Poirier handed the Dubliner a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss back in 2021, with McGregor fracturing his left tibia and fibula in their trilogy rubber match at UFC 264.

And in November of the following year, Lafayette fan-favorite, Poirier ended the surge of the previously mentioned, Chandler – snatching a third round rear-naked choke submission win in their UFC 281 clash in Madison Square Garden.

Dustin Poirier offered title fight with Islam Makhachev in June after UFC 299 win — Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Conor McGregor backed to KO Michael Chandler by Dustin Poirier

Offering his pre-fight analysis of McGregor’s return to welterweight against Chandler next month at UFC 303 during International Fight Week, Poirier claimed the Dubliner should find enough success against the ex-Bellator MMA star to land a finish, claiming Chandler needlessly puts himself in danger.

Conor McGregor confirms negotiations for new UFC contract ahead of return let's see what happens — Mandatory Credit: Stacy Revere

“Both of these guys’ last fight was me,” Dustin Poirier told First Take during a recent interview. “(Michael) Chandler has had a little bit of a layoff [since] we fought. From my experience being in there with him and just knowing the sport, if Conor (McGregor) is anywhere similar to where he was before the injury with his timing, with his accuracy, the stylistic matchup up with Michael Chandler? I think (McGregor) clips him.”

“Chandler covers too much distance not properly, not the best footwork, lunging in with shots, and that’s how you get countered,” Poirier explained. “That’s how – if Conor’s the matador, and has the same timing and pop that he had before the injury, Conor’s gonna stop this guy.”

Do you agree with Dustin Poirier’s prediction for McGregor x Chandler?

Islam Makhachev warns Dustin Poirier of ‘Easy’ fight win for him at UFC 302: ‘He doesn’t believe he can beat me’

Just days out from their undisputed lightweight title fight this weekend at UFC 302, incumbent kingpin, Islam Makhachev has…

Just days out from their undisputed lightweight title fight this weekend at UFC 302, incumbent kingpin, Islam Makhachev has reminded challenger, Dustin Poirier that he has the ability to make their clash look “easy” in New Jersey.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight titleholder and pound-for-pound number one under the promotion’s banner, returns for the first time since last October, as he takes on Poirier in this weekend’s headliner at UFC 302.

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

Attempting to rack up his third successful defense of his 155lbs throne, Makhachev has so-far lodged both decision and stoppage wins over Alexander Volkanovski, respectively, during his reign in the division.

Islam Makhachev plays down Khabib Nurmagomedov comparions pre UFC 302 he had his time now it's mine — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

As for Lafayette native, Poirier, the former interim gold holder will hope to make it third time lucky in his quest for an undisputed title, as he takes on Makhachev in Newark this weekend.

Earning his shot at spoils as recently as March, Poirier – who has weighed up the possibility of retirement regardless of result at UFC 302, turned in a blistering second round knockout win over Benoit Saint Denis.

And following the immediate booking of their clash at the Prudential Center, Makhachev claimed he had the tools to turn in an “easy” triumph against Poirier.

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

Islam Makhachev claims Dustin Poirier has no belief ahead of UFC 302

And ahead of Saturday, Makhachev – who confirmed he would be backed by Poirier’s former-foe, Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner for UFC 302, echoed that sentiments, pointing to an apparent mistake the Louisianan seems to always make against similar foes.

“Honestly, he’s (Dustin Poirier) the same [fighter that faced Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2019],” Islam Makhachev said during his media availability ahead of UFC 302. “Maybe [he’s older]. He doesn’t believe he can beat me. His coach doesn’t believe he can beat me. I know I can make this fight easy.

“I will finish him,” Islam Makhachev explained. “Because I am on a different level. I am the best fighter in the world right now. …I can strike with him, but I told you guys, if I want to make this fight easy, I know the way and everybody [else] know the way. Always when his opponent pressure him, take him down, he has the same problems always.”

Who wins at UFC 302 this weekend: Islam Makhachev or Dustin Poirier?

Sean Strickland rips Octagon execs amid fighter pay issue ahead of UFC 302: ‘They don’t do the right things’

Despite the recent settling of an anti-trust lawsuit brought against the UFC, former middleweight champion, Sean Strickland has echoed…

Despite the recent settling of an anti-trust lawsuit brought against the UFC, former middleweight champion, Sean Strickland has echoed displeasure with fighter pay within the promotion, claiming the promotion – whom he described as “leeches” do not do the “right thing” with the majority of fighters on their roster.

Strickland, a former undisputed middleweight champion, makes his return this weekend in the co-main event of UFC 302, fighting for the first time since he lost the title to Dricus du Plessis back in January of this year in a close decision defeat in Canada.

Sean Strickland's coach claims live betting may have affected corner advice in UFC 297 title loss — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Returning in search of a potential route back to a championship charge, outspoken contender, Strickland takes on former title challenger, Paulo Costa – with the pair sharing a distinct rivalry atop the middleweight pile.

Paulo Costa claims he's not signed contract to fight Robert Whittaker at UFC 298 I don't know what happened — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Sean Strickland rips UFC over fighter pay issue

And first voicing his dissatisfaction with the new design of fight gloves which will be donned for the first time this weekend at UFC 302 in New Jersey, Strickland has now hit out at promotional brass and executives in the organization for “leeching” and not putting fighters livelihoods first.

“Sometimes you gotta get ready to f*cking throw away your entire career if you don’t get your sh*t, you know,” Sean Strickland told Daniel Cormier during an interview. “It’s just doing the f*cking right things, man. Like, the UFC doesn’t do the right things. It doesn’t f*cking do the right things. It doesn’t do the right things with most of their roster.”

“Like, if you go look at what these guys that run [the UFC], you see what they’re making to what [fighters] are get paid, it’s f*cking sh*t, dude,” Sean Strickland explained. “The UFC does not do the f*cking right things. And unless you hold them at f*cking gunpoint, they ain’t gonna f*cking do it.”

What are your thoughts on Sean Strickland’s comments on the UFC?

Conor McGregor rips Islam Makhachev amid speculation over infection pre-UFC 302: ‘This inbred lives with staph’

Conor McGregor has hit out at undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev on social media once more tonight – labelling…

Conor McGregor has hit out at undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev on social media once more tonight – labelling the Russian force “inbred”, with speculation rife that the champion is dealing with a staph infection in his leg ahead of his UFC 302 title fight with Dustin Poirier this weekend.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion and pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter, has been sidelined since he turned in a one-sided first round high-kick knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski in October of last year in the pair’s short-notice title fight rematch.

Ticket prices described as "criminal" for UFC 303 as Conor McGregor return set to land +$20,000,000 gate — Mandatory Credit: Mike Strobe

And this weekend, the Makhackala native returns atop UFC 302 in New Jersey, attempting to defend his divisional crown for a third time in a showdown against the returning former interim gold holder, Poirier.

And posing for pre-fight photos donning his championship belt and sporting the glove-colored Octagon gloves, fans on social media appeared to point to a potential health concern for Makhachev ahead of the bout, noticing some discoloring and a sizeable indent on the champion’s left leg.

2019602226 islam makhachev credit getty 1

Conor McGregor accuses Islam Makhachev of having staph ahead of UFC 302

Reacting to claims, the above-mentioned, McGregor – who himself was sounded out as a future opponent as soon as September by Makhachev, speculated he was suffering from a staph infection, in and insulting tirade.

Islam Makhachev unhappy with new gloves ahead of UFC 302 fight they will cause more cuts — Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Staph again,” Conor McGregor posted in reply to photos of Islam Makhachev. “This inbred, however, lives with staph. This team is infested, make no mistake. Scuff balls. Whatever ya’s are into, I suppose. He still subs Dustin in the 1st.”

Staph again. This inbred however lives with Staph. This team is infested, make no mistake. Scruff balls. Whatever ya’s are into, I suppose. He still subs Dustin in the 1st. https://t.co/8ducNYStAk

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 29, 2024

“Yous absolute scuffy f*cks I’m sick of yous,” Conor McGregor posted. “Wash your f*cking selfs! Wash your clothes! Wash your mats! And do it f*cking everyday you scuffy c*nts.”

Do you think Islam Makhachev is dealing with a staph infection pre-UFC 302?

Sean Strickland is not a fan of the new gloves debuting at UFC 302: ‘Yeah, they absolutely suck’

Sean Strickland is not happy with the new UFC gloves. This Saturday night, June 1, ‘Tarzan’ will return to…

Sean Strickland is not happy with the new UFC gloves.

This Saturday night, June 1, ‘Tarzan’ will return to the Octagon for a high-stakes middleweight scrap with secret juice-chugging contender Paulo Costa. It will be Strickland’s first fight since surrendering the 185-pound crown to Dricus Du Plessis in January.

Addressing members of the press during the UFC 302 media day on Wednesday, Strickland was asked his thoughts on the new gloves which will be making their official premiere at the event following an initial unveiling in April.

Needless to say, the outspoken superstar is not a fan.

“Yeah, they suck, dude — I don’t know who, like can we talk to the person who designed these gloves; have you ever been in a fight in your f*cking life?” Strickland said. “It’s like you get these f*cking dorks that have no idea [and] they’re like ‘Oh this sounds like a good idea, and they make it.’

“They put so much stupid sh*t on it, like how did you a**holes think that this was a good idea? So yeah, they absolutely suck, and the UFC dropped the ball on that one.”

Sean Strickland doesn’t see the new gloves doing anything to stop eye pokes

The biggest hope from fight fans is that the new design would help reduce if not altogether eliminate unintentional eye pokes. Sadly, it seems as if that is nothing more than a pipedream as Strickland believes the only way to prevent eye pokes in a fight is to stick every fighter in boxing gloves.

Even if there is another way, these gloves won’t be it.

“What was the reasoning that they wanted so people stopped poking people in the eyes? Well, they’re a little bit more stitched, and at the end of the day, people get poked in the eye because they open their hands. Unless you put a boxing glove on, that sh*t ain’t going to stop so it’s just people creating a problem that we did not have,” Strickland argued.

“If you get cut because you got hit in the f*cking head, don’t get hit in the f*cking head and you don’t get cut. If you get poked in the eye because you f*cking opened your hand, don’t open your hand and you won’t get poked in the eye… It’s people creating problems that weren’t there.”