The UFC 302 main event went from 0 to 100 real quick between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier.
Islam Don’t Play
What started off a respectful build-up between the world’s best lightweights took a dive after third-time title challenger Poirier came face-to-face with Makhachev during Thursday’s press conference in Newark, New Jersey. With UFC commentator Jon Anik in the middle to separate them, Poirier shared a few words with the champion, including “motherf*****”, which Makhachev took offense to and Poirier doubled down on.
One official weigh-in later, Poirier and Makhachev would meet again onstage at the Prudential Center, but this time they had no words for each other, just a cold stare into the eyes of who they think is gonna fall on Saturday.
IT'S ALL GOING DOWN TOMORROW 🏆
🐺 @MAKHACHEVMMA vs @DustinPoirier 💎
[ @ESPNPlus PPV | 10pmET/7pmPT | #UFC302 ] pic.twitter.com/NwL7ho487i
— UFC (@ufc) May 31, 2024
Poirier had his fists up facing Makhachev with the pound-for-pound king looking onward with his hands on his hips, expecting to get the job done in his third title defense against Poirier – a fighter whose achilles heel is known to be his grappling, the area where Makhachev thrives.
Poirier’s Last Message
For Poirier, it’s make it or break it in what’s likely his last shot at capturing undisputed UFC gold. Poirier got a taste of the interim title against Max Holloway in 2019, but has yet to realize his championship potential with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira ruling as the champions of the division during his time shared at the top.
“It means everything to me,” Poirier told UFC commentator Joe Rogan at the ceremonial weigh-ins. “New Jersey, great to be here. Thank you all. Appreciate you, but the talk is done, Joe. It’s time to fight.”
Proving A Point vs. Poirier
Wanting a shiny diamond on his world title instead of the UFC’s traditional ruby, Makhachev will try to make it make sense with a show-stopping win over “The Diamond” Dustin Poirier in his next title defense.
“I will show you guys what they mean pound for pound best fighter in the world. See you tomorrow,” Makhachev’s final words were before fight night.
More Videos
Eleven other fights will take place before Islam Makhachev meets Dustin Poirier in the main event and that includes a top contender bout in the co-headliner with Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa. Check out how the middleweight brutes looked at each other and more highlights from today’s weigh-ins below and yes, woman’s bantamweight Ailin Perez did her “signature twerk”…
These two are just happy to be here 😁@SStricklandMMA vs @BorrachinhaMMA
[ Live TOMORROW on @ESPNPlus PPV | #UFC302 ] pic.twitter.com/H1zH8YRXrt
— UFC (@ufc) May 31, 2024
Middleweight madness coming your way! 💥@TrailBlaze2Top vs Michal Oleksiejczuk
[ Live on @ESPNPlus PPV | SAT | 10pmET/7pmPT | #UFC302 ] pic.twitter.com/D2kfnoI6QT
— UFC (@ufc) May 31, 2024
We just KNOW these two will bring the heat tomorrow night!🔥@NikoHybridPrice vs Alex Morono
[ Live on @ESPNPlus PPV | 10pmET/7pmPT | #UFC302 ] pic.twitter.com/dfZfoe59Ju
— UFC (@ufc) May 31, 2024
Kicking off the #UFC302 main card 👊@TouchNgo_ vs @ElizeuCapoeira
[ Live on @ESPNPlus PPV | SAT | 10pmET/7pmPT ] pic.twitter.com/Dk4nhVAptZ
— UFC (@ufc) May 31, 2024
Ailin Perez delivered her signature twerk after the final #UFC302 faceoff with rival Joselyne Edwards. pic.twitter.com/eYCgEjAvVL
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) May 31, 2024
