After a heated pre-fight confrontation, Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier went from being respected opponents to fierce competitors. After the pre-fight news conference on Thursday, Makhachev and Poirier exchanged words as they looked each other down.
However, Makhachev swiftly showed a different attitude when he started yapping back at Poirier, giving the impression that this wasn’t just a lighthearted repartee.
When the confrontation’s audio was released, Poirier declared, “Go to sleep, motherf*cker,” and called for a knockout throughout the bout. Makhachev took offense and retaliated by saying, “Don’t say motherf*cker to me.”
Even if it wasn’t what the former interim champion was attempting to do, it turns out that Poirier’s specific phrase choice was what got under Makhachev’s skin when security finally stepped in to separate the fighters.
Makhachev vs. Poirier’s Pre-Fight Feud – What Happened?
Before their UFC 302 match, Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier engaged in a tight, borderline heated exchange. This was clarified when the Dagestani objected to Poirier calling him a “motherf***er” amid an intense argument.
There hasn’t been a personal issue between the two men, despite the highly competitive atmosphere leading up to their upcoming match, which saw Makhachev keen to defend his lightweight belt for a third time and Poirier determined to win an undisputed UFC title on his third attempt.
Makhchev may have been offended by Poirier’s remarks since he didn’t comprehend what “The Diamond” meant. Makhachev speaks English less well than his master, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is a native speaker. Therefore, it is plausible that he interpreted the phrase “motherf***er” as a slight against his mother.
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Dustin Poirier clarified the misunderstanding later: “It’s still war, but I would never disrespect your family.”
To this Islam, Makhachev replied, “I’m happy [to] understand what they mean because it’s not good in our country.”
With the UFC lightweight championship on the line, both combatants are motivated to win on the inaugural fight night. It’s most likely his final shot at the undisputed gold in the UFC for Poirier.
Makhachev sees it as an opportunity to tie the division record set by three championship defences.
Also Read: How Much Money Has Islam Makhachev Made In The UFC? Net Worth, Assets and More
