UFC 302 will be the first of many summer blockbuster offerings from the UFC. Building on the successes of UFC 300 earlier in the year, the promotion looks to keep the ball rolling with fight cards that will feature some of the best fighters on the roster. That said, the spotlight is all on Dustin Poirier for this next one.
For those unaware, Dustin Poirier is all set to face Islam Makhachev in the main event of UFC 302. Live out of the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Poirier will challenge for the lightweight title in what is shaping up to be his career swansong. Now 35 and in the UFC for nearly a decade and a half, the clock is slowly winding down on Poirier’s illustrious career.
Get ’em while you can!#UFC302 is ON SALE NOW 🚨
We’ll see you there: https://t.co/uXAg0DZ6db#VisitNJ | @Visit_NJ | @PruCenter pic.twitter.com/72jlF0uytc
— UFC (@ufc) April 19, 2024
That said, the Louisiana native is not going away without one last hurrah, and with the undisputed lightweight title, the only missing piece of his career resume on the line, the fans are heavily rooting for him. Over the years Dustin Poirier has given fans some memorable moments inside the Octagon. Fresh off a big win against Benoit Saint Denis earlier this year, there are some surprising factors in favor of Poirier going into his next fight.
Dustin Poirier is unbeaten in June throughout his MMA career
Ahead of UFC 302, there has been a lot of talk about how not only is Dustin Poirier undeserving of a title shot but also the fact that he has no chance against Islam Makhachev. Naturally, be it Poirier or any other fighter, there is always a chance, regardless of the odds. That said, the fans have since noticed an interesting pattern which suggests that Poirier could be well poised for a win against Makhachev next month.
According to recent findings, fans have pointed out how ‘The Diamond’ has never lost a fight in June throughout his career. Having competed nearly 40 times across his UFC and MMA career, Poirier secured his first ‘June’ win in 2009 against Nate Jolly at Cajun Fighting Championships. Thereafter, his next win in the same month came next year against Derek Gauthier at Ringside MMA 7.
“Dustin Poirier is 6-0 when fighting in the month of June and he fights Islam Makhachev next week” pic.twitter.com/37yXYjK2XH
— OOC MMA (@oocmma) May 22, 2024
Keeping up with the trend, the next win would come in his second UFC fight at UFC 131 against Jason Young in 2011. Jumping forward to 2015, Dustin would beat Yancy Medeiros in June of that year. This was followed by his win against Bobby Green the very next year. Lastly, his career-highlight win against Dan Hooker that took place in 2020 was also in June, taking the tally to 6-0. Thus, the astute observation makes for a very compelling coincidence.
Dustin Poirier’s path to victory against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302
For the most part, it is hardly the only coincidence that will be in favor of Dustin Poirier as he faces Islam Makhachev next month. As pointed out previously, the apparent “Paulo Costa curse” is one that has seen any and all champions on the same card as the Brazilian lose their respective titles. Whilst both of these coincidences have a lot of evidence in support of them, one cannot rely on such things entirely, to win a fight.
That said, the fans have been very curious as to how Dustin Poirier intends to actually win against Makhachev. For one, Poirer has worked tirelessly alongside fellow contender Mateusz Gamrot in order to reinforce his wrestling and grappling. Similarly, he has time and again teased the threat of using his infamous Guillotine choke as well.
Dustin Poirier reacts to Islam Makhachev’s prediction for their fight:
“I’m gonna knock [Islam] unconcious, and the ref is gonna be pulling me off of him.” 🥶
🎥 @YahooSports #UFC #MMA #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/Wb1gbIqlR3
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 21, 2024
However, owing to Islam Makhachev’s recent prediction, he has since changed his tune, “I’m gonna knock (Islam) unconscious, and the ref is gonna be pulling me off of him.”
As such, his statements make it very clear as to what the approach will be from his side. Notably, we have also seen Islam rely more on his striking in recent times and sharpening the tolls once again ahead of this one. All things considered, a fight on the feet would favor Dustin Poirier and that is likely what he will be trying to force as well. If need be, he is also prepared for the grounded exchanges, meaning that it is truly now or never for Poirier.