- Islam Makhachev is encouraging Dustin Poirier to forget about retiring
- The reigning lightweight champ shared his thoughts on what’s next for him after UFC 302
Islam Makhachev wants Dustin Poirier to continue competing even he ends up losing at UFC 302.
Dustin should keep going
Speaking to NBC Sports, the reigning lightweight champion gave Poirier some unsolicited advice to his opponent. For Makhachev, “The Diamond” should stop thinking about retirement after UFC 302 as he could still beat everybody in the division.
“He’s talking about retiring, but I don’t want him [to] retire after this fight if I beat him,” Makhachev said of Poirier. “This guy is dangerous. He can beat everybody. He’s number, like, top five in the world, you know, That’s why I don’t think it’s a good idea for him talking about retiring, because he’s still a very dangerous guy. That’s why I’m preparing very hard for him.”
Islam is ready for whatever
When asked to share what’s next for him after UFC 302, Makhachev pointed out that it is not one of his concerns at this point. However, he would be ready for anybody put in front of him.
“I’m just thinking about my next fight. It’s not my job thinking about the future because I have manager, I have team, I’m fighting in the UFC, they make decision. Who the put against me, I will be ready. It’s gonna be Arman, it’s gonna be Leon or someone else, I will be ready,” Makhachev said,
Makhachev has been privileged to be guided by Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has beaten Poirier in the past. As per Nurmagomedov, Makhachev will finish “The Diamond” within two to three rounds.
This will be the third time Makhachev will defend his lightweight title. On the other hand, Poirier will try to finally win a title to his name before considering retiring.
UFC 302 will take place this weekend at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Watch Makhachev’s full interview below:
