JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Islam Makhachev considers himself the most effective fighter on the earth and thinks Dustin Poirier would possibly, too.
Forward of UFC 302, Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) theorized opponent Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) would possibly lack confidence with their combat. Makhachev hinted doubt would possibly stem from what he perceives as missing development since Poirier fought Khabib Nurmagomedov.
“Actually, he’s the identical,” Makhachev advised MMA Junkie and different reporters at a pre-fight information convention Wednesday. “Perhaps he turn out to be extra outdated. He doesn’t imagine he can beat me. His coach doesn’t imagine he can beat me. I do know I could make this combat straightforward.”
Don’t mistake Makhachev’s confidence for disrespect. He praised Poirier all through his solutions and valued what a win over him would imply for his profession.
“I at all times was interested by him as a result of all his life he’s in high 5,” Makhachev mentioned. “It’s my dream to combat somebody like Dustin who has huge identify on this sport. I’m very blissful as a result of he’s going to be on my listing.”
Poirier has revealed an internally-debated retirement in interviews throughout the lead as much as Saturday’s combat. Makhachev hopes that doesn’t find yourself being the case.
“I hope he doesn’t retire after this combat,” Makhachev mentioned. “I believe he’s one of many greatest names on this sport. That’s why I respect him. That’s why I respect him right here as a result of he has quite a lot of loopy fights on this sport. I’m simply blissful to beat somebody who has an enormous identify like Dustin, as a result of for the legacy, it’s going to be possibly the most important identify in my listing.”
Makhachev, 32, has received 13 fights in a row and doesn’t plan on stopping. Eight of these wins have been finishes. Makhachev plans to notch his 14th win and ninth end Saturday.
“Yeah, I’ll end him as a result of I’m on a special stage,” Makhachev mentioned. “I’m the most effective fighter on the earth proper now. … Actually, my type is the worst type for him. He can beat some striker. He will be among the finest strikers on this sport, however we’re not strikers. We’re MMA fighters. My abilities are on a special stage.”
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