UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is up and ready for UFC 302. Gearing up to defend his title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 on Saturday, the Dagestani was asked about the rumors of a staph infection ahead of the big day. Speculations that the champ may be suffering from a staph infection arose when the promotional pictures for the Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey card showed a strange mark on his knee, which many, including Conor McGregor, felt was a sign that Makhachev is suffering from the skin condition and is not one hundred percent going into the bout.

The Irishman took to Twitter and reacted to a picture in a now-deleted tweet, calling out Makhachev and his team for their alleged lapses in the best practices as far as hygiene is concerned. ‘Notorious’ suggested that the alleged infection could have been avoided if they had been following those best practices.

However, Makhachev, on being asked about in the pre-fight press conference declared that there was nothing to worry about and promised that he was firing on all cylinders. “Don’t worry guys, I have very well training camp. Nothing bother me and I will be ready 100 percent,” Makhachev told the press.

Makhachev has been remarkably confident and self-assured going into his bout with ‘Diamond’, owing to the latter’s acute lack of a ground game. This confidence, some feel, may be priming the champ for an upset by the UFC legend who is one of the most dangerous and effective strikers in UFC history. Certainly one of the things that would be contributing to the 32-year-old’s confidence is his friend, mentor, and one of the greatest mixed martial artists ever’s return to his corner.

Islam Makhachev reveals Khabib will be back in his corner for UFC 302

Islam Makhachev revealed that Khabib Nurmagomedov will be in his corner for UFC 302. Nurmagomedov, since retiring in 2020, had continued to serve in his role as coach and cornerman for his AKA teammates. In fact, he was present in the octagon when Makhachev defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 to emerge as the new lightweight champion of the UFC two years ago.

Since then, however, ‘The Eagle’ has been conspicuous by his absence from Makhachev’s corner in the latter’s last two fights against Alexander Volkanovski, stoking fears Nurmagomedov he may have bid adieu to cornering fighters for good. However, the reigning lightweight champion gave the good news to fans that the GOAT contender would be part of his corner team for his first title defense against a fellow lightweight.

“Eagle has landed in Jersey City. He’s going to be in my corner. Honestly, I’m very happy because he’s one of the best corner coaches, brother, friend. That’s it,” Makhachev said in a video uploaded on the UFC’s official Twitter account.

Nurmagomedov will bring the invaluable experience of having been there, done that with ‘Diamond’ since he had fought and defeated the latter at their UFC 242 contest five years ago. In fact, given that Poirier gave ‘The Eagle’ one hell of a scare, catching him in a guillotine choke in the third round, he is well aware of what the UFC veteran brings to the table. What are your predictions for UFC 302?