Islam Makhachev will defend his lightweight title for the first time against a fellow 155-pounder, Dustin ‘Diamond’ Poirier on UFC 302 this Saturday. At their face-off during the UFC 302 pre-fight press conference, Makhachev got triggered by something Poirier said, making him seem animated. It even reached a point wherein the security had to step in to separate the two. This is noteworthy, given that the champ is known for being respectful and maintaining his composure.

Although both the fighters seemed cordial going into the face-off, the Dagestani fighter appeared with a grin, and what initially started off as a conversation ended in security intervention. Although not a hundred percent sure, it seemed he said something like, “You’re going to sleep, motherf*cker” to the champ, who became upset and responded, warning ‘Diamond’: “Don’t say motherf*cker.” Poirier then repeated his earlier statement, leading the champ to dissuade him again against it. Nevertheless, this did not seem to have affected the challenger, who declared, “I’ll say whatever I want.”

While the phrase is undoubtedly insulting, it is a colloquial slur, used commonly used in America, and is not meant literally. Yet, it seems the champion took great offense to it, (reasonably) thinking Poirier was insulting his mother. Thankfully, seeing the champ so agitated, the Louisiana native de-escalated the situation, ostensibly conveying to the Dagestani “I respect you.”

Makhachev, of course, is the fan favorite going into the bout, owing to his world-class wrestling and Poirier’s acute lack of it. Regardless, according to some fans, the interaction between the two may have given the Lafayette native a slight psychological edge over the champ.

This must have also been exhilarating for MMA fans, as it seemed as exciting as the epic feud between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. All that it missed was the classic McGregor trash talk. Now it remains to be seen just now much of this newfound animosity would we witness during the action inside the octagon.

And given this very real and palpable hostility between the two lightweights, fans are expecting a bloodbath on June 1 at their main event bout.

Fans react to Islam Makhachev getting triggered.

One fan, reacting to a clip of it on Twitter, pointed out what he felt Poirier had said to upset the champ, and felt the latter has no chance in the fight because of the anger with which Makhachev had responded: “Dustin said ‘You’ll see motherf**ker’ then Islam got into war mode. I gave Dustin 1% chance now its absolutely 0″

On the contrary, another felt that this interaction showed Poirier had the edge in the psychological department: “Seem like Poirier’s already under Islam’s skin.” Another agreed with this sentiment and argued that the Dagestani got upset “Cause he knows Dustin is telling facts lmao”

Another fan had a hilarious, albeit politically incorrect and disrespectful take on why Poirier’s words hurt Makhachev so much: “Islam got mad at Dustin for calling him a motherfu**er. He thought Dustin was calling him out for his inb***ding habits “

Another pointed out the exact interaction between the two:

“”You’re going to sleep Motherf**ker!” – Dustin

“Don’t say Motherf**ker.” – Islam

That’s what triggered it.”

One fan felt that the acrimonious interaction between the two was helping set up an epic clash this Saturday in Newark: “That was intense as fuck. Both guys look angry and it’s gonna be a great fight this weekend.” 

This is Poirier’s last shot at becoming a UFC champion, according to the Louisiana native himself, who will step into the UFC octagon for the 31st time this Saturday. And his intensity and bad intentions are quite clear in his scathing interaction with the champion.

Makhachev, on the other hand, is putting his reputation on the line as a loss to ‘Diamond’ would certainly lead to his legacy as a champion being hurt. This, of course, means both will go into the octagon absolutely determined to prevail. And the fireworks have already started.

What are your predictions for UFC 302? Tell us in the comments below!