Islam Makhachev is hoping for an easy night at the office in his next title defense against Dustin Poirer.
Makhachev is scheduled to defend his lightweight title against Poirier in the main event of UFC 302 on June 1st at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Makhachev credits Poirier’s experience and elite striking, but the lightweight champion believes he can conquer “The Diamond” on the ground. Makhachev’s mentor and teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov ragdolled Poirier before sending him into the third round of their title unification bout at UFC 242 in September 2019. Makhachev expects similar results thanks to his own elite grappling skills.
“Dustin, he’s a warrior, he’s a legend, he’s got more experience in this sport than anyone,” Makhachev told TMZ Sports. “But his problem is his style. That’s one of the problems this guy has. His weaknesses are wrestling and grappling. And I have the key to fighting easily. So, if I follow the plan, I think I can easily beat him. My style and Khabib’s style are the worst styles for a guy named Dustin. Anyone who can beat him or keep him there. , always causes trouble for him.”
Makhachev was originally interested in facing Justin Gaethje, who defeated Poirier to win the BMF title last year, but “The Highlight” recently lost the strap to Max Holloway at UFC 300 earlier this month. Ta. Rising favorite Arman Tsarukyan earned the right to gold with a win over Charles Oliveira on the same card, but a quick comeback against Makhachev denied him the title. Given the circumstances, Makhachev believes Poirier is the best opponent for his next defense.
“Dustin is a good opponent because Oliveira and Arman.” [Tsarukyan], I have already defeated them already, ”said Makhachev. “My dream fight in this division would be Gaethje, but he has already lost. At our weight right now, I think Dustin is the only one because Alman is no, Gaethje is a loser and Oliveira is a loser. Is not here.”
Despite never winning a match with a guillotine, Poirier was famous for attempting it at every opportunity, which often worked against elite wrestlers. Makhachev intends to be prepared in case such a situation arises.
“Dustin, get ready and fight a lot. I’ll protect my neck, I’m ready for the guillotine,” he said. “That didn’t happen in our game, but we’re ready.”
Makhachev’s next goal is to move up to welterweight and become a two-weight champion. Max Holloway’s recent BMF win will likely open up some options at lightweight, but a matchup with Makhachev likely won’t be one of them as the champion isn’t concerned about the BMF strap.
“Honestly, my dream fight would be to get my second belt.” [at] 170,” Makhachev said. “I don’t know who’s going to be there. The current champion is Leon Edwards. As for BMF, I don’t need this belt. I don’t know what this belt is or what it’s for. And I [am] I’m not going to underestimate Poirier just because he’s a legend. He has the best hitting power of anyone in my division in this sport. He’s going to be ready for a tough fight.”
