UFC 302 Press Conference highlights: Heated Islam Makhachev-Dustin Poirier faceoff, Sean Strickland warns Paulo Costa, and more
As is their tradition before most pay-per-view events, the UFC held the event press conference for UFC 302 two days before fight night on May 30. However, instead of all main card fighters being present, only the four competing in the main and co-main event bouts were seated at the table.
Separated by event mediator Jon Anik, Islam Makhachev and Sean Strickland sat opposite Dustin Poirier and Paulo Costa. The promotional presser lasted just over 30 minutes with a few memorable microphone moments.
Sean Strickland vows to "beat" Paulo Costa "into the f****** dirt" at UFC 302
A pre-event press conference involving Sean Strickland would not be the same without a memorable quote from the former middleweight champion. Ahead of his clash with Paulo Costa in the co-main event, 'Tarzan' predicted a violent finish in his favor while reminding his opponent of his UFC 253 title loss to Israel Adesanya.
Strickland said:
"I don't know how much secret juice Paulo has but the only shot you got, man, you better get f****** lucky. You better hope that God's in your favor. 'Cause I'm gonna f****** beat your f****** d*** into the f****** dirt. But don't worry, I ain't gonna f*** you like Izzy did. I got you, man."
Strickland's reference to Adesanya's second title defense marked the first and only time Costa suffered a knockout loss in his career.
Dustin Poirier rejects Islam Makhachev's fight-ending prediction
Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier have largely been on good terms heading into UFC 302 but got into several heated exchanges at the press conference.
With Poirier carrying on the gimmick of his affinity for guillotine chokes, Makhachev shot down the prospect of 'The Diamond' executing the submission against him and instead predicted he would "show him" how to execute the finish.
Makhachev said:
"His guillotine is always looking bad, you know. And he will make some joke about always [going for the] guillotine. I have to show him how to do [it] right."
Poirier, however, quickly interjected, shutting down the scenario. The 35-year-old responded by saying:
"Listen, the 'Gilly Goose Gang' ain't taking applications."
Makhachev has teased that he has 'something special' planned in his fight with Poirier and may have shown his hand at what his team has prepared for the no. 4 ranked contender.
Islam Makhachev engages in heated face-off with Dustin Poirier before UFC 302 main event
To end the press conference, Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier faced off on stage to end their night. While appearing cordial at first, the two traded words that seemingly led to a heated disagreement.
After allowing several words to be exchanged, Jon Anik separated the lightweights once their dissent was made clear with the help of the event security.
The two headlining fighters will face off for one final time before their fight at the ceremonial weigh-ins on May 31.
Watch the full UFC 302 pre-fight press conference from the UFC's YouTube channel below: