Islam Makhachev points out key to ‘easy fight’ against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302

With a date set for his next belt defense, Islam Makhachev does not believe that he will have difficulties in the face of Dustin Poirier. In an interview with ‘TMZ Sports’, the lightweight champion (up to 70.3kg) showed respect for his rival’s career but made it clear that his grappling game will make him win the duel on June 1st easily.

“Dustin, he is a warrior, legend, he has more experience than all of us in this sport. But his problem is his style. That’s the only problem this guy has. His weak point is wrestling and grappling, and I have the key to an easy fight. And if I follow the plan, I can beat him easily. My style and Khabib’s style is the worst style for Dustin. The people who can knock him down and hold him down, that has always gotten him into trouble,” Makhachev said.

With two successful title defenses against Alexander Volkanovski, Islam Makhachev will face for the first time as champion an athlete who is originally from the lightweight division. At UFC 302, scheduled for June 1st, Khabib’s pupil will face the experienced Dustin Poirier in the main fight of the show.