After a long wait the Lightweight division is on fire! With UFC 302 just around the corner (June 1st), the war of words between champion Islam Makhachev and challenger Dustin Poirier is reaching a fever pitch. And this time, social media is the battleground.
Makhachev Punches His Way into the Spotlight (Kind Of)
It all started with a tweet from Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS), a prominent MMA news account. They uploaded a video of Islam Makhachev unloading on a punching machine, landing a hefty left hook that registered a score of 973.
Islam Makhachev hits the punching machine 🥊#UFC302 #UFC #MMA
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 8, 2024
Dustin Poirier Trolls Islam Makhachev
But Dustin Poirier isn’t known for backing down from a challenge. In a response that sent the MMA world into a frenzy, Poirier quoted the tweet with the video and simply said, “Watching that video of Islam on the punching machine. Pull up.” This playful yet confident message downplayed Makhachev’s punching prowess and served as a reminder of Poirier’s own knockout power.
More Than Just a Punching Bag
On the surface, this exchange might seem like a lighthearted jab. However, it holds deeper meaning within the context of the upcoming fight. Poirier, a seasoned veteran known for his well-rounded skillset, is clearly suggesting he’s unfazed by Makhachev’s supposed punching power. This could be a strategic move to shift the focus away from striking and highlight Poirier’s own strengths, which lie in his diverse arsenal of strikes and his world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The Diamond’s Quest for Gold: Can Poirier Finally Achieve Lightweight Glory?
This upcoming fight is a defining moment for Dustin Poirier. He’s already faced the division’s elite, including a loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov (Makhachev’s mentor) and a defeat to former champion Charles Oliveira. A victory over Makhachev would solidify Poirier’s legacy as a top Lightweight and finally see him wear the coveted UFC Lightweight title.
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