UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev isn’t buying into the idea that his résumé and strength of schedule in the sport falls significantly below that of his upcoming opponent.
Makhachev is set to return to the Octagon for his first assignment of 2024 in this weekend’s UFC 302 pay-per-view main event, where the challenge of Dustin Poirier stands in his way of a third successful title defense.
“The Diamond” will mark Makhachev’s first defense against an established contender at 155 pounds. To date, the Dagestani has pushed past the threat of featherweight legend Alexander Volkanovski on two occasions since ascending to the throne.
Makhachev will enter Saturday’s headliner as a sizable favorite and with many branding him the clear better fighter. One area that some believe he’s inferior, however, is the matter of résumés.
Former champion Michael Bisping went as far as to say that Poirier’s “smokes” that of the reigning lightweight kingpin during UFC 302 fight week.
Makhachev: Résumé Criticism ‘Does Not Make Sense’
During a recent interview with former two-division champion Daniel Cormier, Makhachev was asked how he perceives criticism of his journey to the lightweight gold and suggestions he’s yet to face the best on offer at 155 pounds.
In terms of a direct comparison with Poirier, the Dagestani noted that he was able to handily submit Charles Oliveira in their 2022 title fight. Months earlier, “The Diamond” was forced to tap against the Brazilian.
“Brother, it (does) not make sense,” Makhachev said. “I beat the guy who who beat him too. I agree with this, there’s more big names on his list. But it means nothing.”
Makhachev also went on to suggest that focus on his strength of schedule en route to the title is unfair owing to a struggle to secure high-profile opponents.
“Brother, how many times you remember somebody calling my name when I (wasn’t) champion? I don’t remember some guys who are on top calling my name, ‘I want to fight with Islam.’ All my life I had that problem. But finally I finished this, now people want the belt.”
Regardless of people’s perception, Makhachev has the chance to add another major name to his list of victims inside the Octagon this weekend at Prudential Center.
IT'S GOING DOWN ON SATURDAY 💥
🐺 @MAKHACHEVMMA vs @DustinPoirier 💎
[ Live SATURDAY on @ESPNPlus PPV | #UFC302 ] pic.twitter.com/BS6SJ1bKKn
— UFC (@ufc) May 30, 2024
