Islam Makhachev is all set to defend his title once again. With fans calling for more activity from the champ, he has seemingly agreed to fight a lightweight contender for the first time in his championship reign. That said, Islam is already plotting how he wants to finish the fight.
For those unaware, the UFC previously announced that Islam Makhachev would be defending his title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Live out of the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Makhachev will make his third title defense. Having beaten Alexander Volkanovski on two occasions, this will be the first time he takes on a contender from his own division.
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Although there have been a few qualms about ‘The Diamond’ getting the title shot, a huge fan following is all for it. With the clock slowly winding down on his career, this is perhaps the third and final shot at the title for Dustin Poirier. That said, Islam Makhachev does not intend to hold back and is willing to put the hurt on the challenger as he has done in the past.
Islam Makhachev is planning a similar fate as Alexander Volkanvoski for Dustin Poirier
Previously, Islam Makhachev proved the doubters wrong when he decimated Alexander Volkanovksi in their second meeting at UFC 294. Owing to the closely contested, controversial nature of their first meeting at UFC 284, the former featherweight champ was once again brought in on short notice for a rematch. However, the fight only lasted three minutes as Islam knocked out the challenger in the very first round.
Owing to the close-fought fight, Makhachev’s reputation had taken a hit. Thus, he made it a point to prove everybody wrong and did it in impeccable fashion, showcasing his striking skills rather than his trusty grappling prowess. That said, the Dagestani has since grown comfortable in his newfound love for striking and intends to showcase it again, against Dustin Poirier.
“Yeah actually, Dustin doesn’t like head kicks. That’s why, maybe, it lands again. He will have to be ready.
“Honestly, when you stay southpaw, head kick, body kick, it’s a key for the southpaw. That’s why I try to land the kick (in) all my fights, you know, and I prepare a lot. That’s why Dustin (has) to be ready.”
Here, Islam hinted at his own head kick KO win and at the same time the devastating fate that Dustin Poirier suffered at the hands of Justin Gaethje in their BMF title fight at UFC 291. Throughout the buildup, the champion has been very tongue-in-cheek with his comments on the challenger, something that has not gone down well with him. That said, Islam has also had some good things to say about the Louisiana native.
Islam Makhachev details the good and bad about Dustin Poirier
For the most part, Islam Makhachev has garnered a reputation for making cheeky remarks at other fighters. That said, he still provides a fair assessment of his opponents from time to time. In the build-up to the fight, we have seen Islam praise Dustin Poirier and at the same time point out his weaknesses.
In the same interview with New York Post Sports, Makhachev revealed his approach to the fight and all the things that make his opponent dangerous and that he needs to be vary of:
“Against him, I know my plan you know. I just have to defend my neck from his guillotine, and that’s it. He’s a legend you know. If we talk about Dustin, he’s already a legend, and he has (a lot of) experience in the sport. But, he’s a problem, he has good striking, and his bad point is his wrestling and grappling. But, he has a good guillotine.”
“Honestly, my fight style is bad for Dustin because we saw his fight with Max Holloway, and with other people who have good striking. I think best boxing in the sport, in my division, Dustin have, honestly. He beat everybody, in the striking, nobody can beat him.”
Naturally, many are aware of the threat that Islam poses on the ground. Thus, the former interim champ has already integrated the help of fellow lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot for the same. At the same time, Poirier will have the added benefit of the ‘Paulo Costa curse’ to hopefully bring a miracle in his favor. Either way, Islam Makhachev believes that he has all the answers to whatever Dustin may present.