We’re deep into UFC 302 fight week, meaning it’s time for the top fighters set to be in action on June 1 to take to the stage and answer some questions.
The MMA leader’s latest numbered event takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, where the main attraction will see UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev put his belt on the line against fan favorite Dustin Poirier.
Setting the stage for the headliners will be a pair of top middleweight contenders, with former champ Sean Strickland looking to bounce back from his title defeat this past January at the expense of Paulo Costa
Also on the card, Kevin Holland will make a short-notice return to 185 pounds to throw down with Michał Oleksiejczuk, Jailton Almeida will look to bounce back from the opening loss of his UFC career against Alexandr Romanov, and Randy Brown and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos hope to kick the PPV portion of Saturday’s lineup off in style.
As is customary during major fight weeks, the athletes took to the stage on Thursday for the pre-fight press conference. The UFC 302 edition saw Makhachev, Poirier, Strickland, and Costa with mic in hand.
Check out a replay of the presser below via ESPN MMA’s YouTube channel, followed by all the highlights and the two faceoffs!
UFC 302 Pre-Fight Press Conference Replay
UFC 302 Press Conference Highlights
"I'm the best fighter in the world right now. It's going to be a bad day for Dustin."@MAKHACHEVMMA | #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/3swuZo2Mvx
— UFC (@ufc) May 30, 2024
The Diamond doesn't see Saturday's fight going the distance… 👀💎@DustinPoirier | #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/lRQ6S6VFoX
— UFC (@ufc) May 30, 2024
It's been a long journey for The Diamond in mixed martial arts@DustinPoirier | #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/ZiKoSg69or
— UFC (@ufc) May 30, 2024
"The Gilly Goose Gang ain't taking applications." 🪿💎@DustinPoirier | #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/0l9ADKTaZ7
— UFC (@ufc) May 30, 2024
The Diamond doesn't see Saturday's fight going the distance… 👀💎@DustinPoirier | #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/lRQ6S6VFoX
— UFC (@ufc) May 30, 2024
It's been a long journey for The Diamond in mixed martial arts@DustinPoirier | #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/ZiKoSg69or
— UFC (@ufc) May 30, 2024
"The Gilly Goose Gang ain't taking applications." 🪿💎@DustinPoirier | #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/0l9ADKTaZ7
— UFC (@ufc) May 30, 2024
👀👀👀👀@DustinPoirier | #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/0EuSAXAgzR
— UFC (@ufc) May 30, 2024
Paulo Costa is looking to be the No. 1 contender after this weekend 👊@BorrachinhaMMA | #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/SG9JZ22f7F
— UFC (@ufc) May 30, 2024
"I don't care who is going to be next to me… I will be the champion for many, many more years." 🏆@MAKHACHEVMMA | #UFC302 pic.twitter.com/5GerDTfWPJ
— UFC (@ufc) May 30, 2024
UFC 302 Press Conference Faceoffs
This one's for YOU 🫵@SStricklandMMA vs @BorrachinhaMMA
[ Live SATURDAY on @ESPNPlus PPV | #UFC302 ] pic.twitter.com/uDM4pTQKIQ
— UFC (@ufc) May 30, 2024
IT'S GOING DOWN ON SATURDAY 💥
🐺 @MAKHACHEVMMA vs @DustinPoirier 💎
[ Live SATURDAY on @ESPNPlus PPV | #UFC302 ] pic.twitter.com/BS6SJ1bKKn
— UFC (@ufc) May 30, 2024
