'Take the Diamond and put on my belt,' Islam Makhachev doubles down on not fearing Dustin Poirier’s grappling skills with a smirk

Islam Makhachev is already a 5-1 betting favorite at BetMGM. Poirier, 30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC, is at the tail-end of his active participation, often saying any fight could be his last. Makhachev respects his boxing skills as the consensus best in UFC right now. Most of Dustin Poirier’s battles see a bloody fallout.

However, the Dagestani fighter does not take Poirier’s grappling seriously whatsoever. Makhachev has already gibed at the vanity of his failed clinches and a permanent contender status due to it. Hence, the Dagestani touts warring words to add a ‘Diamond’ under his belt. The grandiose of his aims earned hoorahs from co-hosts Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo even.

Islam Makhachev says ‘why not’ to Conor McGregor after UFC 302

June is the slated month for fan frenzy. Reigning lightweight champ Islam Makhachev meets stalwart Dustin Poirier. He puts his 155-pound title strap on the line at UFC 302’s main event. One numbered card later, Conor McGregor makes his return at UFC 303, Live From T-Mobile Arena.

If the stars align, Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) might get to meet the Irish superstar. McGregor returns for a welterweight headliner four weeks later. The Dagestani has long awaited a rise in weight class to 170. Fight the consensus buyout king for what could be a huge purse? It’s a no-brainer. In fact, the UFC lightweight champion thinks he’d be a fool not to do it.

People have to be stupid to say no, [laughs] Of course I will fight with him...Brother, easy. This guy not same...I don’t want to, like, make him look bad, but everybody know this guy not same. Before, yeah, for sure. When he was fighting with Khabib, he was in a good shape. He [practically was] a high-level fighter. But right now, too much alcohol, too much whiskey... Islam Makhachev via the “Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru Usman & Henry Cejudo” Podcast

The Makhachev vs. McGregor fight can easily break PPV records as it has a storyline. Considering McGregor’s history with Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib, it adds a whole new level when the student faces a heated rival. Nevertheless, the chances of that happening remain close to one percent.