Islam Makhachev Defends Lightweight Title Against Dustin Poirier
The highly-anticipated fight between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier for the UFC lightweight championship title is set to take place this Sunday, June 2. Makhachev, who remains undefeated since 2015, will be defending his title for the third time. The Dagestani fighter previously secured his belt with a win over Charles Oliveira via submission and has since defended it twice against Alexander Volkanovski, both by unanimous decision and TKO.
Poirier, known as 'The Diamond,' enters the fight with a record of 30-8-0. He won the interim title in 2019 against Max Holloway but later fell short in title shots against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. At the age of 35, Poirier believes this is his last opportunity to claim the undisputed belt, expressing his determination to knock out Makhachev and become a world champion.
Pre-Fight Insights and Competitive Edge
Makhachev has received widespread support from fans and analysts who regard him as the clear favorite. His well-rounded skill set, including strong wrestling, endurance, grappling, and striking abilities, makes him a formidable opponent. Khabib Nurmagomedov, his mentor and former UFC champion, believes Makhachev surpasses Poirier in every aspect. Despite the overwhelming predictions, Makhachev pays tribute to Poirier's boxing skills and acknowledges that preparation is key.
Poirier, on the other hand, remains resolute and confident in his skills. His training camp has dedicated significant attention to defending against takedowns and improving his ground game. Reflecting on his past defeats, Poirier aims to make this fight different and sees it as his last chance to fulfill his career aspirations. He highlights the importance of this fight on a personal level, not just for the fans but for himself and his family.
Tensions between the fighters peaked during the press conference, where Poirier's remarks led to a heated exchange. The fighters had a tense face-off, with Makhachev emphasizing the importance of mindset and preparation. Makhachev's team brushed off rumors of a staphylococcus infection, ensuring fans that he is in peak condition for the fight. Khabib Nurmagomedov's presence in Makhachev's corner adds an extra layer of confidence, with the former champion making an exception to his retirement to support his friend.
The fight, broadcast live on the RMC SPORT 2 channel, is available to watch via the RMC Sport subscription service. Subscribers can enjoy various UFC events and other sporting competitions. As the day approaches, experts and fans alike are buzzing with anticipation, ready to witness whether Poirier can defy the odds or whether Makhachev will continue his reign as the lightweight champion.
- Conor McGregor has also weighed in on the upcoming fight, noting that Poirier has a chance to secure a victory by capitalizing on Makhachev's previous knockout loss to Adrien Martins. Despite this, Makhachev dismissed McGregor's comments and predicted Michael Chandler as a potential future threat in the division.
- Unique fight gear will mark the occasion, with Makhachev receiving golden gloves and Poirier donning special shorts reflecting his signature Hawaiian shirt style. The fight has garnered significant attention, highlighting Makhachev's dominance and Poirier's experience against top fighters like Max Holloway, Eddie Alvarez, and Justin Gaethje.
