Islam Makhachev News
Islam Makhachev promises "something special" against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302
Harry Kettle - May 8, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has promised something special against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. In just a few weeks, Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight championship against Dustin Poirier. In the eyes of many, this serves as Poirier’s last chance to finally claim undisputed gold in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As you can imagine, the intensity is high – but Makhachev doesn’t appear to be feeling the pressure.
Dustin Poirier compares and contrasts UFC 302 foe Islam Makhachev and former rival Khabib Nurmagomedov
Curtis Calhoun - May 6, 2024
Dustin Poirier sees distinct similarities and differences between former foe Khabib Nurmagomedov and UFC 302 adversary Islam Makhachev. Poirier will hope that the ‘third time’s the charm’ when he faces the lightweight titleholder Makhachev in the UFC 302 main event on June 1. He returns for his third career lineal lightweight title shot and is hoping to finally reach the pinnacle of the division.
Dustin Poirier responds to Islam Makhachev calling him an "easy fight" ahead of UFC 302
Cole Shelton - May 6, 2024
Dustin Poirier has responded to Islam Makhachev claiming he is an easy fight ahead of UFC 302. Makhchev is set to defend his lightweight title in the main event of UFC 302 against Poirier on June 1 in Newark, New Jersey. It’s an intriguing matchup, and heading into the fight, Makhachev has called Poirier an easy fight.
Dustin Poirier could retire with win over Islam Makhachev at UFC 302: "It could be my last fight"
Josh Evanoff - May 2, 2024
If Dustin Poirier defeats UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in June, that could be it for him. ‘The Diamond’ is fresh off his return to the cage at UFC 299 in March. Back for the first time since a knockout loss to Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier faced the rising Benoit Saint-Denis. Despite some early success from ‘The God of War’, the longtime lightweight wound up scoring a second-round knockout win.
Arman Tsarukyan slams Islam Makhachev after comments about avoiding rematch: "When was the last time you fought 2 times in 6 weeks?
Josh Evanoff - April 24, 2024
Arman Tsarukyan isn’t happy with UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. The Armenian fighter is fresh off his return at UFC 300 against Charles Oliveira. There, the two lightweights competed in a title eliminator of sorts, and put on a show. After three rounds of action, it was Arman Tsarukyan who emerged with a split-decision victory over ‘Do Bronx’. In the process, he earned a shot at Islam Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev shoots down the idea of fighting Max Holloway after UFC 302: “I have some contenders who I have to beat”
Curtis Calhoun - April 24, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has responded to Max Holloway’s callout shortly after winning the BMF belt earlier this month. Holloway knocked out Justin Gaethje with one second left at UFC 300 to earn the BMF title. The former UFC featherweight titleholder will likely return to the 145lb division to challenge Ilia Topuria for the belt.
Islam Makhachev’s coach doesn’t believe title fight with “biggest threat” Justin Gaethje will ever come to fruition after UFC 300
Harry Kettle - April 24, 2024
Islam Makhachev’s head coach Javier Mendez has given his thoughts on Justin Gaethje as a potential opponent. At UFC 302, Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight championship against Dustin Poirier. Prior to Dustin’s recent win over Benoit Saint-Denis, however, he was knocked out cold by Justin Gaethje.
Islam Makhachev believes that the UFC "has to give" him a shot at Leon Edwards soon: "I already beat all these guys"
Josh Evanoff - April 23, 2024
Islam Makhachev believes that he has to face UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards sooner rather than later. The Russian recently signed a deal to return to the cage at UFC 302 in June against Dustin Poirier. For Islam Makhachev, the contest will be his third lightweight title defense. He heads into his fight with ‘The Diamond’ having captured two straight title defenses against former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.
UFC 302: ‘Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier’ Fight Card and Start Times
Harry Kettle - April 17, 2024
It’s time to take a look at the early card announcements for UFC 302 as Islam Makhachev prepares to defend his crown against Dustin Poirier. Event: UFC 302: Makhachev vs Poirier Date: Saturday, 1st June 2024 Location: Prudential Center (Newark, New Jersey) Broadcast: ESPN+ PPV, ESPN2, ESPN+ (6pm EST prelims, 10pm main card)
Dana White announces Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier at UFC 302
Harry Kettle - April 14, 2024
UFC president Dana White has announced that Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Off the back of UFC 300, the Ultimate Fighting Championship are riding high. Of course, one of the biggest discussions coming out of the event is what’s going to happen at lightweight. As we know, Max Holloway is now considered to be a big contender at 155 pounds after finishing Justin Gaethje.
Islam Makhachev takes apart Max Holloway's comments about not being an active champion
Curtis Calhoun - April 11, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has responded to Max Holloway’s accusations of ducking a fight with Justin Gaethje earlier this year. Holloway and Gaethje will clash in a five-round BMF title fight this Saturday at UFC 300. Gaethje won the then-vacant BMF belt by knocking out Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 last July.
Max Holloway hits back at Islam Makhachev's 'useless fight' comments ahead of UFC 300
Curtis Calhoun - April 9, 2024
Max Holloway took exception to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev’s recent mockery of his UFC 300 showdown with Justin Gaethje. Holloway will challenge Gaethje for the BMF title in a five-round matchup at UFC 300. This will be his second UFC lightweight appearance and a chance to add another belt to his résumé.
Daniel Cormier explains why Islam Makhachev should fight Dustin Poirier next: “Tsarukyan would be probably the lowest-selling fight”
Susan Cox - April 9, 2024
Daniel Cormier is explaining why Islam Makhachev should fight Dustin Poirier next and not the winner of Oliveira vs. Tsarukyan at UFC 300. Former UFC heavyweight champion and current ESPN MMA analyst, Daniel Cormier, believes it would be in the best interests for Makhachev to stonewall Tsarukyan and get in the Octagon with Dustin Poirier.
Justin Gaethje rules out potential quick turnaround to fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 302: “We’ll see if Oliveira sh*ts the bed again”
Harry Kettle - April 8, 2024
Justin Gaethje has ruled out the idea of a quick turnaround to battle Islam Makhachev if he can get past Max Holloway. For the longest time now, Justin Gaethje has been recognized as one of the best fighters in the UFC. He’s incredibly entertaining, he has a list of highlight reel finishes, and he doesn’t know when to quit. At UFC 300, he will defend his BMF title for the first time when he takes on Max Holloway.
Max Holloway not ruling out fight against Islam Makhachev with UFC 300 win: "That would be a fun one"
Josh Evanoff - April 3, 2024
If Max Holloway can get through Justin Gaethje, he’s not opposed to a fight with UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Later this month at UFC 300, ‘Blessed’ is slated to meet ‘The Highlight’ with ‘BMF’ gold on the line. The two stars will battle for five rounds over the ceremonial title. For Max Holloway, the fight will be a rare lightweight appearance up from featherweight. Many assumed that the Hawaiian would likely return to 145 pounds after this month.
Javier Mendez refutes Daniel Cormier's claim that Islam Makhachev is more dangerous than Khabib Nurmagomedov: “Nobody is more dangerous”
Harry Kettle - March 28, 2024
Coach Javier Mendez has disagreed with Daniel Cormier’s claim that Islam Makhachev is more dangerous than Khabib Nurmagomedov. Over the course of the last few years, Islam Makhachev has firmly established himself as the king of the lightweight division. Of course, prior to that, there was one man who stood tall above the rest at 155 pounds – his close friend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Daniel Cormier explains why Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier needs to be next: "No lose situation for the UFC"
Josh Evanoff - March 26, 2024
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier believes that Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier is a no-lose situation for everyone involved. Earlier this month, ‘The Diamond’ returned at UFC 299 against Benoit Saint-Denis. Despite entering the bout as a heavy underdog, Dustin Poirier viciously knocked out the ‘God of War’ in round two. The fight was the former interim champion’s first since being finished by Justin Gaethje last summer.
Dustin Poirier rejects the idea that he doesn't deserve to fight Islam Makhachev: "I've done more in this sport than he has"
Josh Evanoff - March 22, 2024
Dustin Poirier doesn’t want to hear any talk about how he doesn’t deserve to fight UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. ‘The Diamond’ is fresh off his return to the cage at UFC 299 earlier this month against Benoit Saint-Denis. Heading into the bout, Dustin Poirier was actually quite a heavy underdog. Having not competed since a knockout loss to Justin Gaethje, the former interim champion was out for blood against ‘The God Of War’.