Khabib Nurmagomedov Shows Rare Caution for Dustin Poirier as Islam Makhachev Warned to Not Underestimate UFC 302 Challenge

With a dominant record of 30 victories and 8 losses, Dustin Poirier is one of the most consistent fighters in the history of the lightweight division. Despite his dominance, ‘Diamond’ has yet to be crowned as the champion, however, things might change next week as the uncrowned prince is about to face undisputed champion, Islam Makhachev for the lightweight belt. Well, interestingly, Poirier is the underdog in this match but Khabib Nurmagomedov thinks otherwise.

The last time Poirier was underestimated by the fans, he knocked out Benoit Saint-Denis in the second round to clinch victory. Nonetheless, former champion and Makhachev’s mentor has ringed alarm bells for anyone who is underestimating ‘Diamond’ Let us see what the former champion had to say about Poirier.

Khabib Nurmagomedov warns everyone underestimating Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier indeed seems to be having a hard time finding his momentum but this has not stopped him from winning his matches. In his last 5 fights, Poirier has won 3 fights and lost 2. Well, ‘Diamond’ hinted that this fight might be the final run in his rodeo. What does it mean? There’s a high possibility that Poirier would retire after this fight and this time he would likely go all out against Islam Makhachev.

Interestingly, Khabib Nurmagomedov understood what kind of a monster Poirier is if he fights with all his will. While in conversation on his own YouTube handle the former champ stated that it is a grave mistake to underestimate ‘Diamond. “Many people underestimate Dustin Poirier. I personally fought him, spent three rounds and over 10 minutes with him, and I have a good sense of his strengths and weaknesses. We are working hard on these aspects,” said Nurmagomedov.

The ‘Dagestani’ fought Dustin Poirier back in 2019. Nurmagomedov clinched victory by way of a rear naked choke in the third round. ‘Diamond’ lost his title shot at the lightweight gold in that clash. Nonetheless, ‘Eagle’ understands the threat that coming his protege’s way and to tackle this he has joined Islam Makhachev’s camp to train him for his next title defense.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 27: In this handout image provided by UFC, (R-L) Dustin Poirier punches Dan Hooker of New Zealand in their lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on June 27, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Her͏e a͏re͏ ͏som͏͏e interesting ͏facts: Poirier͏ ha͏s never los͏t ͏a fi͏g͏h͏t in June, ͏nor ha͏s he ever l͏ost two c͏o͏nsecutive͏ matche͏s.͏ ͏

Wh͏ile ͏’Eagle’ is not unde͏r͏esti͏͏mating͏͏ ‘Diamond͏,’ what about ͏the champion himself?͏͏

Islam Makhachev is not taking any chances with ‘Diamond’

Islam Ma͏kh͏achev has s͏tated that he woul͏d subm͏it D͏͏ustin͏ Poir͏i͏͏er, wh͏ile Po͏ir͏ier claims ͏tha͏t ͏he would͏ ͏k͏n͏ock ou͏t M͏a͏͏khach͏ev. N͏ei͏the͏r fight͏͏er͏ i͏s willing ͏͏to ͏conc͏ede de͏feat͏. ͏Dur͏͏ing ͏a con͏versation ͏on t͏he͏ ‘G͏͏ood͏ G͏uy͏/͏B͏ad Guy’ p͏odca͏s͏t, Mak͏͏hachev asser͏ted͏͏ t͏hat he w͏o͏uld not͏͏ g͏͏i͏v͏͏e Po͏iri͏er any opportuni͏ty to execute a submissio͏n͏. Add͏itionally, in anot͏her conve͏͏r͏sation w͏ith Sports͏ 24,͏ th͏e c͏ha͏mp sta͏t͏ed th͏͏at͏͏ he is ready͏ to counter any͏ subm͏issio͏n attempts by ͏Po͏i͏r͏i͏͏e͏͏r͏.

Yes, I gave my neck a lot in training. You need to find yourself in the positions that your opponent is in so that it doesn’t come as a surprise to you in the fight. The media made a big joke out of this that I was joking about his guillotines. No, I’m telling the truth that I think he has a pretty good guillotine. This is a big mistake… underestimating Dustin is stupid in general. We have seen his last fight. It was the same thing. Everyone didn’t give Dustin any chance… so it’s a big mistake to underestimate Dustin,” said Makhachev.

Even Islam Makhachev is of the opinion that it would be better for him to not underestimate Dustin Poirier. Nonetheless, ‘Diamond’ is bringing his daughter to his fight for the very first time and well, he will be looking to win the clash.

What are your expectations from the fight? State your thoughts in the comments below.