One of the biggest fights of the year is the lightweight clash between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. The fans are super excited about the battle as two of the best in the division go up against each other. Poirier is entering the fight high on confidence after his emphatic UFC 299 victory. However, he will have his work cut short against the 32-year-old Dagestani fighter.

‘The Diamond’ recently sat down for a chat with TMZ Sports ahead of their title clash. While speaking to the host, the 35-year-old seemed to agree with a prediction made by Conor McGregor in a recent interview.

Islam Makhachev is without a doubt one of the complete fighters in the lightweight division. However, he does have a particular weakness, which was pointed out by Conor McGregor in one of his recent interviews. The 35-year-old predicted that Makhachev is vulnerable against left hooks, and Poirier can knock him out if he lands one. ‘The Diamond’ in his recent interview agreed to the prediction and said, “I think everybody is. Anyone is if they get hit with the right shot.”

Poirier then took the opportunity to share his game plan with the host. The 35-year-old seemed quite confident in his striking ability and said, “I feel like I possess the power and the timing to finish anybody at the 155 pounds if they get silly in their you know. It’s just capitalizing on those mistakes or. If he gets overextend making him pay for it. You know I just need to be tight, balanced in a good rhythm that night and I can get it done.” 

Poirier’s knockout power is second to none, however, it will be interesting to see whether he can close the distance against the Dagestani fighter. At 35 years of age, Poirier is definitely in the twilight of his career and with very limited opportunities left for him. However, he is unfazed by the challenge ahead of him and credits Conor McGregor for his shift in mindset.

Dustin Poirier feels Conor McGregor’s rivalry has made him mentally tougher

Most elite champions in the UFC have a combination of skills and an elite mindset. Currently, Dustin Poirier is exactly in the same mindset and is unfazed by the predictions made against him. Despite being an underdog in the fight, the 35-year-old feels he can cause an upset and gave a lot of credit to his former rival, Conor McGregor. In a recent interview, he cleared up how the trash talk helped him grow as a fighter. Poirier said, “It took me to a place where I quit caring about people’s opinions and the critics. You know, I think it helped me.” 

‘The Diamond’ further mentioned how the rivalry has changed his mindset as well. He further added, “Because I don’t really care a whole lot about what people say anymore and I find strength in that leading up to this title fight where people are saying like I’m outgunned here. I’m outmatched and stuffs like that. Well, show me you know I’ll find out on Saturday night. That’s just the kind of mind space that put me in.” Despite being a UFC Hall of Famer, Poirier has yet to win the coveted title in his career. However, looking at his current form and mindset, it seems he can end the drought at UFC 302.

Who will win the fight at UFC 302 next? Let us know in the comments below.

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