JERSEY CITY, NJ – Islam Makhachev not convinced by Conor McGregoranalysis of your UFC 302 title defense against Dustin Poirier.
Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC), who has fought Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) three times in his career, said he thinks “The Diamond” can knock out Makhachev in Saturday’s main attraction at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ(ESPN+ pay-per-view).
McGregor said Makhachev “has been knocked out by a hook to the back from a southpaw before, and that’s one of Dustin’s best punches.” That’s true on paper with Poirier’s skill set, but Makhachev said that doesn’t apply to facing him.
“Dustin can get it with Conor, who has become a really old guy,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “But I don’t give him the chance to punch me.”
Makhachev has already expressed that he would be open to a confrontation with McGregor if the Irishman manages to win his highly anticipated comeback fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29 in Las Vegas. However, this possibility goes out the window at a loss.
There are some warning signs as UFC 303 approaches as well, with McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) recently being spotted partying at a nightclub less than six weeks before the event. Makhachev said the injury combined with McGregor’s apparent lack of focus makes the fight difficult to pick, but he’s leaning toward Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC).
“I don’t know who will win, but now it’s more focus, more training from Chandler, that’s why he can beat him,” said Makhachev. “Maybe (Conor) will do some camp at the club.”
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC 302.
