Islam Makhachev’s got his eyes on the prize. Literally. He’s all in, betting big that he’ll keep the belt snug around his waist. And why stop there? He’s dreaming of a shiny new decor – that belt and some gold gloves, framed. Side by side. 🎥 Caught this bit from Sport 24 on YouTube, if you’re curious.
Oh, and by the way, there’s this match coming up. You’ve heard, right? UFC 302, Makhachev vs. Poirier, happening Saturday at 10 p.m. ET. It’s gonna be lit. Catch it on ESPN+ if you can. Here’s a quick link to get you sorted: Order Now!.
Now, onto those gloves. Makhachev’s got mixed feelings about ’em. The UFC’s rolling out some new gloves at UFC 302. He’s not too thrilled, says they’re a bit too stiff for his liking. Makes it hard to stretch those fingers out. Sure, they’re supposed to cut down on the face-scratching, but he’s worried they might just do the opposite.
"The new gloves? Stiff as boards," he told Sport 24. "They’re gonna lead to more cuts, mark my words. But hey, they’re golden. And that’s something. First of their kind in the UFC. I’m framing them next to my belt."
Poirier, on the flip side, seems to dig the new gear. Finds them softer, lighter, and easier for making a fist. Guess it’s all about perspective.
Makhachev’s on a roll, by the way. Twelve wins in a row. Tied for the longest streak in the lightweight division. Last time we saw him in action, he sent Alexander Volkanovski packing with a head kick. That was back at UFC 294 in October 2023.
Poirier’s story’s a bit wild, too. He snagged the third gold bid of his career, but only after Arman Tsarukyan passed on the opportunity. Tsarukyan had just beaten Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 but wasn’t ready for a quick turnaround. So, "The Diamond" stepped in, fresh off a knockout win over Benoit St. Denis.
And hey, don’t forget. UFC 302, Makhachev vs. Poirier. It’s gonna be a showdown you won’t wanna miss. Grab your spot on ESPN+ now. Here’s that link again, just in case you missed it.