UFC 302 will function a full circle second for Dustin Poirier, win or lose.
The 35 year-old UFC showstopper will get his third alternative at gold this weekend when he takes on UFC Light-weight Champion Islam Makhachev this weekend from Newark, New Jersey the place Poirier hopes to lastly hear the phrases, “And New” for the primary time in his profession.
Whereas Poirier did win the interim light-weight title off Max Holloway of their 2018 rematch, “The Diamond” has by no means achieved undisputed standing, falling wanting that in opposition to then-champions Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. It was at UFC 242 the place the undefeated Nurmagomedov would unify the title in opposition to Poirier within the sands of Abu Dhabi.
It took Nurmagomedov three rounds to submit Poirier, crushing his title hopes on that evening, just for them burn vibrant once more one other day, in opposition to a distinct champion. Effectively, Islam Makhachev’s completely different alright and arguably a more durable matchup than his longtime teammate Nurmagomedov, on the very least on the toes, that’s.
To make issues worse for title challenger Poirier, Makhachev revealed that “Coach Khabib” shall be returning to his nook for this upcoming title protection in opposition to what ought to now be a approach too acquainted foe.
“Eagle [has] landed in Jersey Metropolis,” Makhachev stated of Nurmagomedov. “He’s gonna be in my nook. Truthfully, I’m very glad as a result of he’s the most effective nook, coach, brother, buddy.”
“The Eagle has landed”
@MAKHACHEVMMA is worked up to have @TeamKhabib again in his nook for #UFC302! pic.twitter.com/AcvpdByEnX
— UFC (@ufc) Might 28, 2024
Khabib Nurmagomedov was thought to have retired not solely from preventing but additionally cornering fighters, too. The previous champion took up teaching after hanging up the gloves a ultimate time in opposition to Justin Gaethje in 2020. Nurmagomedov has led a handful of his fighters to victory lately similar to his cousins Umar and Usman Nurmagomedov.
Dustin Poirier could not have had the pleasure of defeating the 29-0 fighter however that doesn’t imply he can’t take out Khabib’s protege as a substitute. Nonetheless on reverse groups almost 5 years later, Nurmagomedov and Poirier will inevitably cross paths once more on Saturday evening.
