With just a few hours left for the ultimate showdown between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, the fighters indulged in a heated exchange of words during their first-ever face-off. But now, Poirier and Makhachev have seemingly buried their beef. The Dagestani champ indeed has tremendous respect for his family. In fact, people have often revealed that the Dagestani fighters don’t think of anything other than training, and their family. Thus, when Poirier disrespected Makhachev’s family, even though he didn’t mean to, all hell broke loose.

But just hours before the fight, things seem to have settled down. However, it appears that the fire of rivalry is still burning. At the UFC 302 pre-fight press conference, the UFC lightweight champion and the former lightweight interim champion faced off against each other for the first time ever. Without a doubt, the mixed martial artists exchanged a few words. 

Makhachev said that he hadn’t seen Poirier for a long time since Abu Dhabi. Thereafter, ‘The Diamond’ declared that he would knock Makhachev out in their fight. When asked how he intended to do that, Poirier claimed that he would make the champion sleep. He speculated that Makhachev would dive into his legs, trying to take him down, and that would be when Poirier would make his opponent sleep. He said, “You’re going to be diving for my legs. You’re going to be laying and praying, that’s what you’re going to be doing. You’re going to sleep, motherf***er! Going to sleep, motherf***er!”

Within moments things got heated. Makhachev simply didn’t like it when Poirier used the cuss word. However, soon after the press conference, the Lafayette resident confronted the Dagestani fighter. The two seemingly settled their differences. Poirier said, “It’s still war, but I would never disrespect your family. That’s not my heart.”

But Makhachev was quite furious. After the Cajun fighter tried to sort things out, the champion was happy to know what his opponent actually meant. He then disclosed that although it might be okay in the States, it was not a good thing to say to the Russians. The champ said, “I’m happy [to] understand what they mean, because it’s not good in our country. Maybe US it’s good, but our country it’s not good.”

While the professionals have settled their disagreements outside of the ring, the “war” supposed to take place between Makhachev and Poirier will be full of skills and energy. After all, the former aims to continue his mentor’s, Khabib Nurmagomedov, legacy and defeat Poirier. And for that let us look at Makhachev’s game plan.

Islam Makhachev will follow Khabib Nurmagomedov’s footsteps at UFC 302

Back in 2019, Nurmagomedov faced Poirier at UFC 242. Although Poirier tried his best to defeat ‘The Eagle’, he fell short and had to tap out as Nurmagomedov caught him in a rear naked choke in the third round. Inspired by that fight, Makhachev confidently declared that he could easily defeat Poirier with his strong grappling skills.

Makhachev claimed that Poirier’s game has remained the same for a long time now. He said, “Everybody knows Dustin’s game because this guy has been in this sport for many years, and he has always fought the same. It’s not a secret; He has good boxing, and he uses it. That’s why I have to be ready.” But whether it will be Makhachev or Poirier to wear the belt is something that only time can tell.

Even with the heat turned slightly down after the fighters resolved their beef, the anticipation for the bout is skyrocketing. But what are your thoughts on the beef between Makhachev and Poirier? Let us know in the comments down below.