The Dagestanis have dominated the UFC’s Lightweight division for many years now. Khabib Nurmagomediv went unbeaten before retiring in the cage four years back. His protege, Islam Makhachev, is currently ruling the roost in the UFC. Makhachev is the company’s current pound-for-pound champion.
The Lightweight king is set to defend his belly against veteran Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 302 later this weekend. Islam was awarded his anti-doping jacket for completing fifty successful tests in the cage and touched upon the subject of his doping controversy a couple of years back in the cage.
Islam Makhachev opens up on doping controversy
Islam Makhachev is all set to defend his belt for the third time. The company awarded the champion the anti-doping jacket in the media day presser. UFC Vice president also touched on the subject of Islam testing positive for a banned substance in 2015. Jeff made it clear that USADA made a mistake, and Islam was in the clear. Makhahcev said,
I am happy everybody understand the mistake from 2016 and I waiting for the jacket and I see lot of pictures when others fighter took there jacket now I have to.
Islam made it clear that he was ecstatic that he had been cleared of all the rumors and controversy surrounding the air. The positive test in 2016 was not Makhachev’s fault, and the UFC Vice President made it clear that Islam has always been a clean athlete. This fight week has been kind to Islam as he is set to take on Dustin Poirier in the main event.
Islam Makhachev is the heavy favorite going into the fight. Dustin Poirier’s opponent has previously had trouble grappling heavy styles in the cage. Makhachev will look to finish his fight with Poirier before the championship rounds, as Poirier has one of the best cardio in the cage. It will be interesting to see what happens in the Lightweight division when Islam and Poirier step in the cage. Will Islam be able to make his week better with a win after winning the anti-doping jacket? Only time will tell.
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