Looking to defend his title for the third time, Islam Makhachev is preparing to defend his lightweight belt against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Interestingly, this will also be Poirier's third shot at the lightweight title. Anticipation for the fight is through the roof as Poirier is the underdog in this fight. “The Diamond's last fight against Benoit Saint-Denis was a masterclass that brought him closer to the title.
However, there were times during the match when he tried to submit the French fighter against the advice of his coach. In the first two rounds, Poirier jumped at the Frenchman for a guillotine choke, which he deflected, but in the second round Poirier knocked him out. After the win, Poirier's guillotine choke became a sensation in the MMA community. Fans are even convinced that Poirier will win the match against Makhachev by choke.
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Nevertheless, while this theory may work well on the books, in reality Islam Makhachev appears to have a plan to counter Poirier's choke. In a conversation with MMA Junkie's Mike Vaughn, Makhachev said he wouldn't even allow Poirier to control the fight. “I pull him down, he tries to give me a guillotine, and I bring him back and choke him. That's it.”
During the conversation, Islam Makhachev claimed that Poirier would be a good opponent for Dagestan wrestling, given his attraction to the guillotine choke. Despite this, the lightweight champion seems confident of his victory, and the MMA community appears to be divided on this statement.
Islam Makhachev's comments divide fans' opinions
Islam Makhachev has already denounced his own bell twice, also against Alexander Volkanovskiy. This time, he's scheduled to face one of the greats in the lightweight division, and it looks like he'll be looking to take on Poirier in a similar fashion to how Khabib Nurmagomedov faced Poirier. However, fans seem to have a different opinion. Fan reactions are below.
First, the fan started the conversation by stating that Team Khabib's normal plan is to communicate the plan in advance and execute it to near perfection.
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Khabib team always tells the exact plan, but no one can find the answer
Fans also warned Poirier not to jump for that guillotine choke.
Please don't jump up on Dustin.
Moreover, fans don't seem to like pro wrestling very much.
wonderful….5 more rounds of nuthugs
This will be Dustin Poirier's third shot at the lightweight title. If he can get the win, it will be one of the most historic moments of the match.
If DP wins, it will be the greatest moment in UFC history.
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Moreover, the fans seem to be living in reality.
Dustin will definitely be used as a sub again, sad but true.
Khabib Nurmagomedov applied a rear-naked choke to Dustin Poirier at UFC 242, which was also a title fight. One fan claims Poirier could go down the same way.
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That's exactly what Khabib did lol
Poirier is already 35 years old and this may be his last shot at the lightweight title. Nevertheless, Islam Makhachev may seem like a mountain to move, but can “Diamond” move it with sheer force? What do you think about their fight? Do you think Dustin Poirier has what it takes to beat Islam Makhachev?
