Islam Makhachev News
Javier Mendez dismisses Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria: "He doesn't need to fight him"
Fernando Quiles - May 31, 2024
American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez isn’t a fan of the idea of matching up UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev against Ilia Topuria, at least not right now. Topuria has quickly risen up the featherweight rankings to capture UFC gold at 145 pounds. His popularity has also gotten a nice jolt along the way and he has been laying out some lofty goal, including becoming a two-division champ.
UFC 302: ‘Makhachev vs. Poirier’ Weigh-in Results
Fernando Quiles - May 31, 2024
The UFC 302 weigh-ins are in the books, and the championship main event has been made official. The early morning weigh-ins took place today, and fans will be pleased to know that UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier have made weight, both tipping the scales at 155 pounds. They will collide in the UFC 302 headliner inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey tomorrow night.
Listen | Hear what Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier had to say during tense faceoff for UFC 302: “Don’t say that or I’ll slap you”
Harry Kettle - May 31, 2024
Things got heated last night during Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier’s intense faceoff ahead of UFC 302. Tomorrow night, Dustin Poirier will challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight championship. It’s an absolutely huge fight with massive stakes attached to it, as we all know. Makhachev is the favorite, but many fans of ‘The Diamond’ believe he can pull off the upset.
Islam Makhachev addresses speculation of a Staph infection ahead of UFC 302
Curtis Calhoun - May 30, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is at the center of a UFC 302 fight week controversy after images spread online of a possible staph infection. Makhachev will defend the UFC lightweight title against two-time lineal title challenger Dustin Poirier on Saturday in Newark. Makhachev returns after back-to-back successful title defenses against Alexander Volkanovski in 2023, including a knockout in October.
Islam Makhachev reflects on sparring session with UFC champion Leon Edwards: "I took him down and held him"
Josh Evanoff - May 30, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is opening up on his experience training with Leon Edwards. This Saturday night in New Jersey, the Russian is set to headline UFC 302. Standing in Islam Makhachev’s way is longtime contender and former interim champion, Dustin Poirier. Heading into the contest, the lightweight champion has been upfront about the fact that he’s already looking to 170 pounds.
Michael Bisping calls Islam Makhachev a better version of Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 302: "New, improved"
Fernando Quiles - May 30, 2024
UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping believes fight fans are witnessing the evolved version of Khabib Nurmagomedov in Islam Makhachev. Makhachev is scheduled to put his UFC Lightweight Championship at stake against Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 302. The 155-pound titleholder is gunning for his third successful title defense when he meets “The Diamond” inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey this Saturday night (June 1st).
Islam Makhachev questions Conor McGregor's UFC 303 training after party footage
Harry Kettle - May 30, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has questioned Conor McGregor’s training for UFC 303. As we all know, Conor McGregor is set to return to the Octagon next month. He’ll go head to head with Michael Chandler in the main event of UFC 303. The contest will take place as part of International Fight Week, with the Irishman attempting to prove he’s still an elite competitor.
Dustin Poirier explains why he doesn't focus on Islam Makhachev's one KO loss
Harry Kettle - May 30, 2024
UFC star Dustin Poirier has explained why he doesn’t put too much stock in Islam Makhachev’s one loss in mixed martial arts. This weekend, Dustin Poirier will challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight championship. In the eyes of many, this could well serve as his final shot at the undisputed belt. He’s tried a few times prior to this and came up short, but this time around, the belief is that he could retire regardless of whether he wins or loses.
Conor McGregor accuses Islam Makhachev of pre-UFC 302 Staph infection: 'Wash your f***** self!'
Curtis Calhoun - May 29, 2024
Conor McGregor’s latest accusations aimed at UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev add another storyline to UFC 302 fight week. Makhachev will defend the UFC lightweight title against Dustin Poirier this weekend in the UFC 302 main event. He returns to the Octagon after back-to-back successful title defenses against Alexander Volkanovski in 2023.
Islam Makhachev takes aim at Dustin Poirier's confidence ahead of UFC 302: "He doesn't believe he can beat me"
Josh Evanoff - May 29, 2024
UFC champion Islam Makhachev believes he’s the greatest fighter on the planet heading into his fight with Dustin Poirier. The Russian is set to fight this Saturday for the first time since a knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski in October. There, Islam Makhachev will meet longtime contender, and former interim champion, Dustin Poirier. For his part, ‘The Diamond’ is fresh off a second-round stoppage victory over Benoit Saint-Denis in February.
UFC 302 | Pro fighters make their picks for Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier title fight
Cole Shelton - May 29, 2024
In the main event of UFC 302, the lightweight title is up for grabs as Islam Makhachev looks to defend his belt against Dustin Poirier. Heading into the fight, Makhachev is a sizeable -620 favorite while ‘The Diamond’ is a +400 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to make their picks for the lightweight title fight. The majority of pros are rooting for Poirier to get the job done and become the champ, but they do believe Makhachev will be too much for him.
Islam Makhachev invites Charles Oliveira to join his camp for wrestling lessons ahead of potential Colby Covington showdown
Curtis Calhoun - May 29, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev wants to help Charles Oliveira deal with Colby Covington and other elite wrestlers. Makhachev will face Dustin Poirier in the UFC 302 main event this Saturday in Newark. He returns to defend the undisputed UFC lightweight title after back-to-back wins against Alexander Volkanovski in 2023.
Islam Makhachev reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov will be in his corner for UFC 302: "Eagle has landed in Jersey City"
Cole Shelton - May 28, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will have Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner for his title defense at UFC 302 on Saturday. Makhachev is set to headline UFC 302 against Dustin Poirier, and on Tuesday, he revealed that Nurmagomedov is now in New Jersey and will be in his corner on Saturday night. Nurmagomedov had stepped away from fighting and coaching in MMA, but he is set to return and will be in Makhachev’s corner at UFC 302.
Islam Makhachev claims Arman Tsarukyan "should thank" him for jumpstarting his UFC career
Curtis Calhoun - May 28, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev feels partially responsible for Arman Tsarukyan’s success inside the Octagon. Makhachev will face Dustin Poirier in his next UFC lightweight title defense at UFC 302 this Saturday in Newark. He returns after defeating Alexander Volkanovski in back-to-back fights in 2023.
Islam Makhachev hopes Dustin Poirier doesn't retire with a loss at UFC 302: "I don't think it's a good idea"
Cole Shelton - May 28, 2024
Islam Makhachev is hoping Dustin Poirier continues to fight even if he loses at UFC 302 for the lightweight title. Makhachev is set to defend his lightweight title in the main event against Poirier. It’s an intriguing matchup and heading into the fight, ‘The Diamond’ has hinted that if he loses, he could retire as he knows this is his final crack at the belt.
Islam Makhachev calls UFC 302 opponent Dustin Poirier a surefire UFC Hall of Famer: "One of the legends of our sport"
Fernando Quiles - May 28, 2024
Islam Makhachev has glowing praise for Dustin Poirier ahead of their lightweight title fight at UFC 302. Makhachev and Poirier will be all business when the Octagon door closes this Saturday night (June 1st), but that doesn’t mean there isn’t mutual respect. Poirier has been complimentary of the 155-pound king, and Makhachev is returning the favor.
Charles Oliveira predicts Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier, scoffs at Arman Tsarukyan's chances against UFC Lightweight Champion
Fernando Quiles - May 26, 2024
Charles Oliveira doesn’t think Dustin Poirier or Arman Tsarukyan will be able to unseat Islam Makhachev. Makhachev is scheduled to put his UFC Lightweight Championship at stake against “The Diamond” in the main event of UFC 302 inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The action takes place on Saturday, June 1st.
Islam Makhachev will decide where Dustin Poirier fight goes at UFC 302, says coach Javier Mendez
Fernando Quiles - May 26, 2024
American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez believes that Islam Makhachev will dictate where his fight with Dustin Poirier goes. Makhachev is scheduled to put the UFC Lightweight Championship on the line against “The Diamond” in the main event of UFC 302 on June 1st. The action is being held inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Makhachev is in search of a third successful title defense, while Poirier looks to capture undisputed UFC gold for the first time in his career, and this could be his last chance.