‘Don’t say that’: Islam Makhachev disagrees with Dustin Poirier’s insult at UFC 302 press conference

Islam Makhachev It is Dustin Poirier were kept away from each other in the UFC 302 press conference on Thursday after the Russian challenged an insult from his opponent.

Makhachev expected to defend lightweight title against Poirier on Saturday (June 1), as the American attempts to win undisputed UFC gold in the third – and certainly final – time of asking.

Poirier, former interim champion, was submitted by Charles Oliveira in 2021 in the fight for the official belt, two years after being submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov in another title fight.

Five years later, Khabib will be in his childhood friend Makhachev’s corner in New Jersey as Pound for Pound #1 defends the strap against Poirier. And although the lead-up to the main event was quite cordial, things got heated at Thursday’s press conference.

“I don’t understand you,” Poirier told Makhachev, after failing to hear what the Russian said at the start of the confrontation. “I’m going to knock you out on Saturday. I’ll slap you to sleep.

“You will dive into my legs, praying. You’re going to lie down and pray, that’s what you’re going to do. You go to sleep, motherfucker.

Makhachev took issue with Poirier’s final insult, saying: “Don’t say ‘son of a bitch’.” When Poirier repeated the word, Makhachev reiterated: “Don’t say ‘son of a bitch’.”

As Makhachev, 32, was held back by security, Poirier said: “I have respect for you, brother. We will fight.

Poirier, 35, hinted that he might retire after the fight with Makhachev, regardless of the result.