Islam Makhachev News
Islam Makhachev admits that Khabib Nurmagomedov "misses fighting" after abrupt end to UFC run
Curtis Calhoun - May 16, 2024
UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov’s lust for improvement in MMA hasn’t faltered, according to Islam Makhachev. Nurmagomedov retired from MMA after a successful UFC lightweight title defense against Justin Gaethje in 2020. He cited a promise to his mother as the significant reason for his retirement, after his father Abdulmanap tragically passed away.
Islam Makhachev details exactly how he plans to finish Dustin Poirier at UFC 302
Harry Kettle - May 10, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has explained how he plans to defeat Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 302. In just a few short weeks, Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight championship against Dustin Poirier. While Makhachev is considered by many to be the clear favorite, this is likely going to be Dustin’s last chance at winning undisputed gold in the UFC. With that in mind, you’d have to imagine that he’s going to put it all on the line in search of the biggest win of his career.
Dustin Poirier reacts to viral video of Islam Makhachev hitting a punching machine ahead of UFC 302 headliner
Curtis Calhoun - May 8, 2024
UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier didn’t think much of Islam Makhachev’s punching power he showcased in a recent social media clip. Poirier and Makhachev will clash in the UFC 302 main event on June 1 in Newark, New Jersey. This is Poirier’s third career lineal UFC lightweight title shot after losses to Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and former titleholder Charles Oliveira.
Islam Makhachev promises "something special" against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302
Harry Kettle - May 8, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has promised something special against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. In just a few weeks, Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight championship against Dustin Poirier. In the eyes of many, this serves as Poirier’s last chance to finally claim undisputed gold in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As you can imagine, the intensity is high – but Makhachev doesn’t appear to be feeling the pressure.
Dustin Poirier responds to Islam Makhachev calling him an "easy fight" ahead of UFC 302
Cole Shelton - May 6, 2024
Dustin Poirier has responded to Islam Makhachev claiming he is an easy fight ahead of UFC 302. Makhchev is set to defend his lightweight title in the main event of UFC 302 against Poirier on June 1 in Newark, New Jersey. It’s an intriguing matchup, and heading into the fight, Makhachev has called Poirier an easy fight.
Dustin Poirier could retire with win over Islam Makhachev at UFC 302: "It could be my last fight"
Josh Evanoff - May 2, 2024
If Dustin Poirier defeats UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in June, that could be it for him. ‘The Diamond’ is fresh off his return to the cage at UFC 299 in March. Back for the first time since a knockout loss to Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier faced the rising Benoit Saint-Denis. Despite some early success from ‘The God of War’, the longtime lightweight wound up scoring a second-round knockout win.
Islam Makhachev says he will expose Dustin Poirier’s “one problem” at UFC 302: “I have the key for the easy fight”
Harry Kettle - April 30, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has revealed what he plans to expose about Dustin Poirier’s game at UFC 302. In just a few weeks, Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight championship against Dustin Poirier. He’ll do so in the main event of UFC 302, with the popular opinion being that he will walk away with the victory.
Arman Tsarukyan slams Islam Makhachev after comments about avoiding rematch: "When was the last time you fought 2 times in 6 weeks?
Josh Evanoff - April 24, 2024
Arman Tsarukyan isn’t happy with UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. The Armenian fighter is fresh off his return at UFC 300 against Charles Oliveira. There, the two lightweights competed in a title eliminator of sorts, and put on a show. After three rounds of action, it was Arman Tsarukyan who emerged with a split-decision victory over ‘Do Bronx’. In the process, he earned a shot at Islam Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev’s coach doesn’t believe title fight with “biggest threat” Justin Gaethje will ever come to fruition after UFC 300
Harry Kettle - April 24, 2024
Islam Makhachev’s head coach Javier Mendez has given his thoughts on Justin Gaethje as a potential opponent. At UFC 302, Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight championship against Dustin Poirier. Prior to Dustin’s recent win over Benoit Saint-Denis, however, he was knocked out cold by Justin Gaethje.
Islam Makhachev believes that the UFC "has to give" him a shot at Leon Edwards soon: "I already beat all these guys"
Josh Evanoff - April 23, 2024
Islam Makhachev believes that he has to face UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards sooner rather than later. The Russian recently signed a deal to return to the cage at UFC 302 in June against Dustin Poirier. For Islam Makhachev, the contest will be his third lightweight title defense. He heads into his fight with ‘The Diamond’ having captured two straight title defenses against former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.
Michael Chandler shares his thoughts on the Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC 302: “I think Islam finishes him”
Susan Cox - April 17, 2024
Michael Chandler is sharing his thoughts on the upcoming Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. UFC 302 will take place on Saturday, June 1st at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
UFC 302: ‘Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier’ Fight Card and Start Times
Harry Kettle - April 17, 2024
It’s time to take a look at the early card announcements for UFC 302 as Islam Makhachev prepares to defend his crown against Dustin Poirier. Event: UFC 302: Makhachev vs Poirier Date: Saturday, 1st June 2024 Location: Prudential Center (Newark, New Jersey) Broadcast: ESPN+ PPV, ESPN2, ESPN+ (6pm EST prelims, 10pm main card)
Islam Makhachev takes apart Max Holloway's comments about not being an active champion
Curtis Calhoun - April 11, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has responded to Max Holloway’s accusations of ducking a fight with Justin Gaethje earlier this year. Holloway and Gaethje will clash in a five-round BMF title fight this Saturday at UFC 300. Gaethje won the then-vacant BMF belt by knocking out Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 last July.
Max Holloway hits back at Islam Makhachev's 'useless fight' comments ahead of UFC 300
Curtis Calhoun - April 9, 2024
Max Holloway took exception to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev’s recent mockery of his UFC 300 showdown with Justin Gaethje. Holloway will challenge Gaethje for the BMF title in a five-round matchup at UFC 300. This will be his second UFC lightweight appearance and a chance to add another belt to his résumé.
Dustin Poirier reveals UFC hasn't offered Islam Makhachev fight despite recent chatter: "I don't know what's next"
Josh Evanoff - April 9, 2024
Dustin Poirier expects the UFC to tell him soon if he’s going to fight Islam Makhachev or not. ‘The Diamond’ is fresh off a return to the ring last month at UFC 299 against Benoit Saint-Denis. Back for the first time since a knockout loss to Justin Gaethje last July, Dustin Poirier entered the bout as an underdog. For the first round, the former interim lightweight champion looked as such against ‘The God Of War’.
Daniel Cormier explains why Islam Makhachev should fight Dustin Poirier next: “Tsarukyan would be probably the lowest-selling fight”
Susan Cox - April 9, 2024
Daniel Cormier is explaining why Islam Makhachev should fight Dustin Poirier next and not the winner of Oliveira vs. Tsarukyan at UFC 300. Former UFC heavyweight champion and current ESPN MMA analyst, Daniel Cormier, believes it would be in the best interests for Makhachev to stonewall Tsarukyan and get in the Octagon with Dustin Poirier.
Max Holloway not ruling out fight against Islam Makhachev with UFC 300 win: "That would be a fun one"
Josh Evanoff - April 3, 2024
If Max Holloway can get through Justin Gaethje, he’s not opposed to a fight with UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Later this month at UFC 300, ‘Blessed’ is slated to meet ‘The Highlight’ with ‘BMF’ gold on the line. The two stars will battle for five rounds over the ceremonial title. For Max Holloway, the fight will be a rare lightweight appearance up from featherweight. Many assumed that the Hawaiian would likely return to 145 pounds after this month.
Javier Mendez refutes Daniel Cormier's claim that Islam Makhachev is more dangerous than Khabib Nurmagomedov: “Nobody is more dangerous”
Harry Kettle - March 28, 2024
Coach Javier Mendez has disagreed with Daniel Cormier’s claim that Islam Makhachev is more dangerous than Khabib Nurmagomedov. Over the course of the last few years, Islam Makhachev has firmly established himself as the king of the lightweight division. Of course, prior to that, there was one man who stood tall above the rest at 155 pounds – his close friend Khabib Nurmagomedov.