JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Islam Makhachev isn’t satisfied by Conor McGregor’s evaluation of his UFC 302 title protection vs. Dustin Poirier.
Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC), who has fought Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) 3 times in his profession, mentioned he thinks “The Diamond” can knock Makhachev out in Saturday’s headliner at Prudential Middle in Newark, N.J.(ESPN+ pay-per-view).
McGregor mentioned Makhachev has “been knocked out by a again test hook from a southpaw earlier than, and that’s one in every of Dustin’s finest pictures.” That’s true on paper with Poirier’s skillset, however Makhachev mentioned it doesn’t apply to the matchup with him.
“Dustin can land this with Conor who has grow to be very previous man,” Makhachev advised MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “However I don’t give him some likelihood to land some punch to me.”
Makhachev has already expressed he could be open to a matchup with McGregor if the Irishman can win his highly-anticipated comeback battle with Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29 in Las Vegas. Nevertheless, that risk goes out the window with a loss.
There’s some pink flags as UFC 303 approaches, too, with McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) lately being caught on digicam partying at a nightclub lower than six weeks from the occasion. Makhachev mentioned the damage layoff mixed with McGregor’s obvious lack of focus makes it a tough battle to choose, however he’s leaning towards Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC).
“I don’t know who’s going to win, however now it’s extra focus, extra coaching Chandler that’s why he can beat him,” Makhachev mentioned. “Perhaps (Conor) do some camp within the membership.”
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