UFC 302 will serve as a full circle moment for Dustin Poirier, win or lose.
The 35 year-old UFC showstopper gets his third opportunity at gold this weekend when he takes on UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev this weekend from Newark, New Jersey where Poirier hopes to finally hear the words, “And New” for the first time in his career.
While Poirier did win the interim lightweight title off Max Holloway in their 2018 rematch, “The Diamond” has never achieved undisputed status, falling short of that against then-champions Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. It was at UFC 242 where the undefeated Nurmagomedov would unify the title against Poirier in the sands of Abu Dhabi.
It took Nurmagomedov three rounds to submit Poirier, crushing his title hopes on that night, only for them burn bright again another day, against a different champion. Well, Islam Makhachev’s different alright and arguably a tougher matchup than his longtime teammate Nurmagomedov, at the very least on the feet, that is.
To make matters worse for title challenger Poirier, Makhachev revealed that “Coach Khabib” will be returning to his corner for this upcoming title defense against what should now be a way too familiar foe.
“Eagle [has] landed in Jersey City,” Makhachev said of Nurmagomedov. “He’s gonna be in my corner. Honestly, I’m very happy because he’s one of the best corner, coach, brother, friend.”
"The Eagle has landed" 🦅@MAKHACHEVMMA is excited to have @TeamKhabib back in his corner for #UFC302! pic.twitter.com/AcvpdByEnX
— UFC (@ufc) May 28, 2024
Khabib Nurmagomedov was thought to have retired not only from fighting but also cornering fighters, too. The former champion took up coaching after hanging up the gloves a final time against Justin Gaethje in 2020. Nurmagomedov has led a handful of his fighters to victory in recent years such as his cousins Umar and Usman Nurmagomedov.
Dustin Poirier may not have had the pleasure of defeating the 29-0 fighter but that doesn’t mean he can’t take out Khabib’s protege instead. Still on opposite teams nearly five years later, Nurmagomedov and Poirier will inevitably cross paths again on Saturday night.
