There’s no denying that Makhachev and Poirier have had it in for themselves since the announcement of the battle set for June 2. The two have exchanged some back-and-forth roasts on the internet, but the situation got a bit more intense when they faced off at their pre-fight conference in Newark, New Jersey.
The lightweights came together for a stare down, but Makhachev leaned in and said some inaudible words to Poirier, to which Poirier responded aggressively.
“I’m going to knock you out on Saturday,” Poirier said to Makhachev. “Sleep. I’m going to sleep-stop you. You’re going to be diving for my legs, praying. You’re going to be diving for my legs. You’re going to be laying and praying. That’s what you’re going to be doing. You’re going to sleep, motherfucker.”
Makhachev seemed unphased by these threats, but the Russian fighter’s demeanour took on a deadly edge when he said to Poirier, “ Don’t talk, okay. Don’t say that, or I’ll slap you.”
The situation looked like it was about to escalate, but the security guards intervened and pulled the fighters apart. Makhachev went on to speak about Poirier during the conference.
“ Honestly, I think I am the best fighter in the world right now. That’s why it’s going to be a bad day for Dustin,” He said. “He has problems with the wrestlers always, and I will give him that problem.”
Makhachev continued.
“I respect him, but when he faces with some high-level fighters who have wrestling and grappling, he always has problems. If not[for] me, Khabib [Nurmagomedov] or [Charles] Oliveira, he could be champion. I feel bad for him, but when he meets some good wrestlers and grapplers, he always has the same problem.”
Makhachev also mentioned Poirier’s passion for the guillotine choke despite his coaches’ advice to the contrary and said he would teach ‘The Diamond’ the proper way to do it. “ He always makes some joke about the guillotine. I have to show him how to do it right,” Makhachev said.
Poirier did not take the Russian’s comment lying down. “ I knock him out Saturday night,” Poirier responded. “I knock him unconscious. I’m going to pry that belt out of your hands, bro, Saturday night. He should listen to his coaches and box like they’re telling him to. Let’s box.”
The fighters will get another chance for a faceoff before their battle at the UFC302 for the championship title.
