Islam Makhachev claps back at ‘permanent contender’ Dustin Poirier for guillotine threat

Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier's rivalry builds as both contenders take shots at each other on social media.


Islam Makhachev claps back at ‘permanent contender’ Dustin Poirier for guillotine threat

Dustin Poirier challenges lightweight champion Islam Makhachev to a title fight in June (via Imago)

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and top contender Dustin Poirier are currently engaged in a Twitter feud. Makhachev shot a sly jab at Poirier’s title fight record highlighting his lack of success in title fights. Here is what happened:

Dustin Poirier uploaded a story on Instagram with a guillotine GIF and tagged Makhachev. The lightweight created an online frenzy after his repeated attempts at a guillotine choke against Saint-Denis. Moreover, Poirier had said that he has done more in MMA than Makhachev. The Dagestani then came out on X and wrote that if Poirier could beat anybody he would be holding the belt right now. A user commented under his post and wrote that Poirier is on a different level now. Makhachev replied to this and wrote:

His level: permanent contender:) how many title losses, 2? 3?"
Islam Makhachev via X
YouTube video

Makhachev criticized Poirier’s inability to secure wins despite more title fights under his belt. He undermined Poirier’s credibility as a title contender and emphasized his losses in crucial championship matchups.

FS Video

However, Poirier has continued to pursue title opportunities. He recently defeated Benoit Saint-Denis which got him the call from Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz. Reportedly Makhachev wants more fights this year and therefore is ready to take on Poirier this summer. Fans are eagerly waiting for further developments in a potentially high-stakes showdown in the octagon.

Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier’s potential fight in June

The rivalry between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier seems to have intensified after Makhachev’s comments. This could indicate a build-up to a tense rivalry between the two fighters.

Islam Makhachev doesn't feel Dustin Poirier deserves the title
Islam Makhachev doesn’t feel Dustin Poirier deserves the title (via BJ Penn)

Ali Abdelaziz proposed a bout between Makhachev and Poirier in June following UFC 299. Abdelaziz revealed on X that Makhachev is already in favor of the fight. Makhachev became champion when he beat Charles Oliveira in 2022 and since has defended it twice against Alexander Volkanovski. Meanwhile, Poirier has never won a title fight although he is a former interim UFC lightweight champion. He currently ranks #3 in the UFC’s lightweight rankings.

Although Makhachev did mention that he does not believe Poirier deserves a title fight. However, after recovering from his injury, Makhachev wants to get on with his fights and therefore is ready to take on Poirier as the only contender available.

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