Dustin Poirier believes Islam Makhachev could be underestimating him.
In June, Poirier challenges Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title in the main event of UFC 302 in Newark, N.J. It was a somewhat surprising opportunity for Poirier, as “The Diamond” was knocked out by Justin Gaethje less than a year ago, but when Makhachev’s other obvious contenders all were unable to make a quick turnaround to fight in June after UFC 300, Poirier got the nod, as he explained on Monday’s episode of The MMA Hour.
“The main event was already over with when I got the word back from [UFC executive Hunter Campbell],” Poirier said. “But as soon as that fight [between Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira] ended, he called me and said, ‘Hey, I’m walking back there right now. I’ll let you know soon. You might be up next.’ I’m like, ‘Oh shit!’ My heart is pumping, I’m sweating, I’m around a bunch of fans. I’m like, ‘I’ve got to get out of here.’ And I went back to my room with my wife and my niece, and then waited for the call — and it came through.
“So I flew from there to Lafayette, Louisiana, the next day, packed my bags and flew straight to training camp. Because that wasn’t full notice for me as well, but I’m not in a position to say, ‘Hey, I want eight weeks.’ I’ve got to jump on this thing and try to win this thing.”
Standing in Poirier’s way is the current No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world in Makhachev. A protege of lightweight GOAT Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev successfully defended his belt twice in 2023, both times against fellow top pound-for-pound fighter and then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev has not lost in almost nine years.
That appears to have given the champion plenty of confidence, as he recently declared that Poirier would be an “easy” fight for him. But the pride of Lafayette says Makhachev is in for a rude awakening.
“I kind of feel like some of the stuff he says, he might not [respect me],” Poirier said. “But I’m going to put my hands on this guy. I’m coming in there to hurt him. This is my last shot. Mom’s spaghetti. Let’s go."
Dustin Poirier thinks Islam Makhachev is underestimating him ahead of UFC 302 - MMA Fighting
