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This Upcoming UFC Fight Is Criminally Underrated

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Jacob Walters | Last updated 4/18/24

UFC 302’s main event between Islam Makhachev (25-1) and Dustin Poirier (30-8) has everything a UFC fan would want. It has trash talk and two excellent MMA stars, and it’s going down in Newark, New Jersey. On June 1, the event will follow up two exciting cards with another.

However, the problem with UFC 302 is that UFC 300 is still buzzing. With the word around Alex Pereira still going strong, the electricity from the event is still alive. That’s even after a few days have passed, with Pereira’s dominance and Max Holloway being a BMF.

But don’t fret, dear reader. UFC 302 has plenty to offer when it comes to its main event. In fact, the excitement will build over time. Here’s why fans should still tune into the fight between Makhachev and Poirier.

Islam Makhachev Is Entertaining

Islam Makhachev has been the most entertaining part of the Makhachev-Poirier rivalry. His jabs and tweets directed at the native of Coconut Creek, Florida, have been interesting.

The UFC Lightweight Champion has become the antithesis of fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov. With more trash talk and mind games, Makhachev is even a hybrid of Khabib and Conor McGregor.

But his trash talk towards Poirier is on another level. Whether it’s dissing “The Diamond’s” history in title fights or how he’s a “permanent contender,” the Russian fighter is must-see television.

Both Are Great Fighters

Both Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier are excellent fighters as well. The UFC Lightweight Champion has a great ground game, where he can break down and set up his opponents. Add in some lethal strikes and he can become a problem fast.

As for “The Diamond,” he’s known to knock his opponents out with ease (16 KOs). However, Poirier is also balanced, using submissions (seven submission victories) to beat his foes. His versatility has made him a threat, putting him at the top of the lightweight division.

UFC 302 might not have the star power or pizzazz that UFC 300 did. However, fans should tune into Makhachev vs. Poirier for some intense fight drama. They’ll love the trash talk and fighting that’ll go down.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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