Islam Makhachev broke down his UFC 302 title defense against Dustin Poirier in a recent interview with Demetrious Johnson. The Dagestani described that as his favorite fight while also mentioning the cut that left a mark on his head for life.
While Makhachev went on to win the fight via submission, The Diamond was received accolades for his performance. The UFC lightweight champion also had a lot of good words for the latter in his interview with DJ. The interview was featured on Johnson’s YouTube channel “Mighty“. Makhachev appreciated how well Poirier came prepared for the fight. He also accepted the his mistakes during the lightweight title match.
During the discussion, the 33-year old stated that Poirier gave him a cut on his head. He also pointed towards his head showing the mark on his head.
He [Dustin Poirier] prepare for this fight very well… I did mistakes…. He give me like [cut mark] for my life. But when I watch this fight, I like this fight. (25:43 to 26:13)
The Dagestani also talked about how he likes the UFC 302 lightweight title match. He described how he got to learn from his mistakes committed in the fight.
If you ask me which fight you want to watch again? I say Poirier. I watch this fight many times, I enjoy. I know what I did wrong, what I did right, what I need to change. (26:28 to 26:41)
After the hard fought UFC 302 battle, Makhachev is all set to defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311. The two lightweights will face each other for the second time. In their first encounter, the Dagestani came out victorious winning via unanimous decision.
Islam Makhachev believes his UFC 311 match against Arman Tsarukyan will not be easy
UFC 311 will be headlined by Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan 2. The lightweight title fight is set to take place at the Intuit Dome, Inglewood, USA on January 19, 2025.
In the same interview, Demetrious Johnson asked multiple questions to Makhachev about his upcoming 311 match. While answering the questions, The Dagestani remained confident about his superior wrestling and grappling skills. While talking about their previous encounter, the lightweight champion felt that his rematch against Tsarukyan won’t be easy.
Right now, he [has] improved a lot. He has more experience in UFC, a lot of fight in UFC. He has striking, I have better than him…. I know my grappling is better. But this time, it’s not gonna be easy match for sure. (41:49 to 42:23)
The two contenders remain confident about their skills and fans would be excited for the rematch. The fight card will also feature Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov. With two Dagestani fighter on the same card people are most likely to witness Khabib Nurmagomedov in their corner.
The event has a stacked card and MMA fans are set to watch wrestling master class on display. You can also check out UFC 312 match card headlined by Dricus Du Plessis vs Sean Strickland 2.
Sachin Singh 
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