UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev clapped back at Dustin Poirier.
Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) told MMA Junkie he’s open to defending his title against Poirier at UFC 302 on June 1, even though he doesn’t think he’s deserving. Poirier rebounded from his knockout loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 291 by taking out rising finisher Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299.
Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) responded to Makhachev’s undeserving claim by saying he’s done more in MMA, and can beat anybody in the world. Makhachev took the opportunity to remind “The Diamond” who’s champion.
“Dustin if you could beat anybody, you’d be holding this belt right now, not me
.”
His level is: permanent contender :) how many title losses, 2? 3? https://t.co/zHnTRW3HvG
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) March 25, 2024
Poirier is a former interim lightweight champion, but fell short in his two attempts at becoming lightweight champ when he was submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov in September 2019, and submitted by Charles Oliveira in December 2021. His resume includes multiple wins over Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler, Gaethje and Eddie Alvarez.
“His level is: permanent contender :) how many title losses, 2? 3?”
His level is: permanent contender :) how many title losses, 2? 3? https://t.co/zHnTRW3HvG
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) March 25, 2024
Makhachev claimed the vacant lightweight title by choking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. He then notched his first title defense by edging out ex-featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, but left no doubt when he knocked him out in the first round of their rematch this past October at UFC 294.
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