Islam Makhachev hilariously gives away game plan against Dustin Poirier ahead of UFC 302

UFC lightweight champion divulges his strategy around a month before facing his opponent.

Islam Makhachev hilariously gives away game plan against Dustin Poirier ahead of UFC 302

Islam Makhachev gives away his game plan (via Imago)

UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev went into details about his next fight. Makhachev has eagerly awaited the chance to fight after UFC 294. In around a month’s time, the lightweight champion will attempt to match the lightweight record for the most consecutive title defenses. He will face the red-hot challenger Dustin Poirier at UFC 302.

Mike Bohn from MMA Junkie interviewed Islam Makhachev. He asked him about his preparedness and how the fight would go between him and Dustin Poirier. Makhachev surprisingly revealed his game plan by referring to Poirier’s previous fights. He clapped back at Poirier’s guillotine attempts and said he would counter them like Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Same thing – I will take him (Dustin Poirier) down, he will try to give me the guillotine. and I will take his back and choke him.
Islam Makhachev via MMA Junkie
YouTube video

The 32-year-old’s delivery painted a perfect picture of the expected grappling exchanges. Dustin Poirier does not have a great takedown defense. Khabib, Charles Oliveira, Michael Chandler, and Benoit Saint-Denis took him down multiple times. Both Khabib and Oliveira managed to submit Poirier, whereas Chandler and BSD almost came close.

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Makhachev has the best-grappling arsenal in the entire UFC. As such, the lightweight champion expects to dominate Poirier with his grappling and submit him in the fight. Makhachev will return after an eight-month layoff after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. Only time will tell if Makhachev manages to execute the game plan as planned.

Islam Makhachev wants to fight once more after June

Islam Makhachev recently dropped huge news. The Dagestani champion revealed he intended to defend his belt twice in 2024. Makhachev fought twice in 2023 and expects to do the same in 2024 as well, barring any serious injury concerns.

Islam Makhachev wants to fight once more after June
Islam Makhachev wants to fight once more after June (via YouTube)

Makhachev was asked whether he wanted a record of 16 consecutive wins like Anderson Silva. The 32-year-old has 13 consecutive wins. He believed in breaking Silva’s record but felt it would only happen if the UFC booked him more frequently.

I can make 20 [consecutive wins] you know. Just give me someone. I can make more. I don’t want to wait too much. I have to fight every 3-4 months… June-July Poirier, and end of the year one more.
Islam Makhachev via MMA Junkie

Makhachev’s insistence on fighting once more after the Poirier fight raised some questions. The location of the fight is shrouded in mystery. He could fight in Abu Dhabi in October or maybe MSG in November or December. Makhachev had earlier stated his desire to fight in the famed MSG arena. It remains to be seen what the UFC will do with the lightweight champion.

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