JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Islam Makhachev considers himself the best fighter in the world and thinks Dustin Poirier might, too.
Ahead of UFC 302, Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) theorized opponent Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) might lack confidence with their fight. Makhachev hinted doubt might stem from what he perceives as lacking progression since Poirier fought Khabib Nurmagomedov.
“Honestly, he’s the same,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday. “Maybe he become more old. He doesn’t believe he can beat me. His coach doesn’t believe he can beat me. I know I can make this fight easy.”