After defeating Alexander Volkanovski for 2 consecutive games, Islam Makhachev will protect the Lightweight UFC belt against another opponent. The one who prepared to encounter Makhachev at UFC 302 was Dustin Poirier. This is considered one of the most attractive matches of MMA in 2024.
On the Dustin Poirier side, he was promoted to the UFC Lightweight championship for a surprise. He just played at the UFC 299 event, where this boxer won against Benoit Saint Denis. Poirier now turns 35, and his play time is not much.
Sharing about the moment when he knew that he would have UFC belt, Poirier said: “It was the time after the match between Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira closed. UFC Hunter Campbell CEO called me and said, he was preparing to notify me that I would play with Makhachev.”
With the achievement table at the moment, Makhachev is naturally appreciated than Poirier. Poirier himself also understood that he could no longer retain the same condition as before. In addition, this boxer is only less than 8 weeks to prepare before fighting Makhachev at UFC 302.
“I know I am not respected by the opponent, but it is also the most dangerous time. At UFC 302 coming, I will go to play and injure Makhachev. This may be the last match in my career, so I will play with the full ability,” Poirier said.