Islam Makhachev explains why he doesn't have a nickname: "I am that guy"
Despite being one of the most popular and dominant fighters on the roster, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev does not have a nickname. It seems the 32-year-old has a simple explanation for why it is so.
During a pre-fight press conference for his upcoming fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, the Dagestani was asked why he doesn't have sobriquet like his opponent who is monikered 'The Diamond' or even his friend and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, 'The Eagle'.
Makhachev explained his rationale behind not having one, saying:
"No, I don't want [one], because everybody has [one]. But this guy, someone has to be without a nickname. I am that guy, who doesn't have [a] nickname."
Catch Islam Makhachev's comments below:
The sambo maestro will put his lightweight title on the line for the third time as he faces the challenger from Carencro, Louisiana this weekend. Since he won undisputed gold at UFC 280 against Charles Oliveira, Makhachev has defended it twice against former featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski.
Meanwhile, despite being a top lightweight for many years at this point, Poirier has yet to get his hands on an undisputed title.
After falling prey to a third-round rear naked choke submission to Nurmagomedov at UFC 242, 'The Diamond' once again came up short as he was finished by 'Do Bronx' in the third round at UFC 269 with the same submission.
Will the third time be the charm for Poirier, or will the Russian reign supreme once again at the upcoming pay-per-view? We'll find out soon enough. Fans can stream UFC 302 globally on Fight Pass.
Islam Makhachev pokes fun at Dustin Poirier: "He has good guillotine"
Islam Makhachev would be hoping to impose his usual strategy and overwhelm Dustin Poirier with his formidable wrestling at UFC 302. However, the lightweight champion is counting on Poirier to jump on a guillotine choke.
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, the champion from Makhachkala poked fun at his opponent with a sly jab at his submission skills:
"He [Poirier] is a tough opponent too. He has [a] good guillotine... Not me, but I hope one day he will finish some one [with the choke]."
Catch Islam Makhachev's comments on Dustin Poirier below:
For context, Poirier is notorious for putting himself in terrible positions after jumping on guillotine chokes from upright positions at seemingly inopportune moments.
In his last fight at UFC 299 against Benoit Saint Denis, 'The Diamond' tried to lock in the choke unsuccessfully multiple times. However, during the post-fight interview after his win, Poirier pledged that he doesn't plan on getting rid of the peculiar strategy anytime soon.
Interestingly, despite being so committed to the choke, he has never finished anyone with it in his entire career.