Hey, fight fans! Got plans this Saturday? No? Well, now you do. Check this out – UFC 302 is happening, and it’s gonna be epic. "Makhachev vs. Poirier" kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+. You won’t wanna miss it, so why not Order Now!
Oh, and guess what? Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier, that powerhouse with a record of 30-8, has been grinding away with his coach, Mike Brown. They’ve been patching up and tweaking his game. Why, you ask? Well, after that tangle with Khabib Nurmagomedov back at UFC 242 in 2019, let’s just say lessons were learned.
Poirier’s first shot at the undisputed title didn’t go as planned, thanks to a third-round submission by "The Eagle." Fast forward to now, and Poirier’s stepping back into the octagon. This time it’s against Khabib’s protégé, Islam Makhachev (25-1), in the headliner of UFC 302. The venue? Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey. Mark your calendars – June 1st is the date.
Poirier’s take? "Islam and Khabib have similar styles," he mentioned. He’s not walking into this blind. The experience against Khabib gave him a taste of what to expect – the pressure, the strength, and that relentless wrestling. "It’s kinda like déjà vu, but this time, it’s for the world title," he added, pumped for the rematch but with a different opponent.
Mike Brown, the mastermind at American Top Team, is confident. He’s seen the gaps from the Khabib fight and they’ve plugged them. Their focus? Wrestling defense and getting back on their feet. "Dustin’s ready to put Makhachev away," Brown stated, hinting at a sweet victory that would crown an already stellar career. "It’s Dustin’s time," he affirmed, believing no one deserves it more.
On the flip side, Khabib’s not sold on Poirier’s improvements. He’s betting on Makhachev to dominate. "Poirier hasn’t evolved," he commented, expecting a clean sweep by his protégé.
And there you have it. The stage is set for a showdown that’s got everyone talking. Will Poirier’s adjustments pay off, or will Makhachev continue the legacy of his mentor? Only one way to find out. Remember, it’s happening this Saturday at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Don’t miss it – Order Now!