The exciting UFC 302 event is finally looking down upon us. The state of New Jersey is set to witness Dustin Poirier challenge the pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev in the main event. Islam is the absolute favorite to win the matchup, mainly due to his grappling-heavy style in the cage. Makhachev is the second Dagestani after Khabib Nurmagomedov to dominate the Lightweight division.
It was revealed that the Eagle himself was coaching the Lightweight king. His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, publicly revealed how Khabib positively influenced the fight camp before the UFC 302.
Ali Abdelaziz on Khabib’s influence on Islam Makhachev’s camp
Former and current Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev belong to the legendary Dagestani brotherhood. Dagestan is a faraway land in the mountains of Russia. It is known for producing some of the world’s most dominant combat sports athletes. Ali Abdelaziz revealed how Khabib, the first champion out of Dagestan, is influencing Makhachev’s training camp. He said,
Khabib come here and change the energy of the whole camp. It’s like the army here.
Ali clarified that the Eagle has donned the coach’s hat and is going hard on Islam Makhachev and his training partners. Abdelaziz believes that all the men in the camp resemble the army and are ready to take on the MMA world in full force. Khabib has already beaten Dustin Poirier for his second title defense in the octagon.
As good of a striker, Dustin is in the cage, but he lags in the grappling segment. Islam Makhachev is currently the pound-for-pound king in the cage and is often considered one of the most versatile fighters. It will be interesting to see who will depart New Jersey with the Lightweight strap across his waist in the octagon.
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Poirier has been the underdog many times in the octagon and has caused some massive upsets. Will he be able to beat Islam and complete his career objective of winning the UFC gold?
ALSO READ: “Islam Will Win” – Charles Oliveira Backs Islam Makhachev to Defeat Dustin Poirier at UFC 302
