Dustin Poirier believes he’ll do the unthinkable at UFC 302.

The lightweight title will be on the line in Newark, N.J., this Saturday night. Reigning champion Islam Makhachev can tie the record for most divisional title defenses at three. That just might be the magic number for this event as the fight will be Poirier’s third time challenging for undisputed gold.

Makhachev defends against Poirier in what will also be “The Diamond’s” 40th professional bout (30-8, 1 NC). Louisiana’s finest has truly been there and done that, battling a grueling lineup of opponents throughout the years. The only thing he hasn’t done is capture a world title. Speaking openly on the matter about the goal, Poirier, 35, has stated how perfect of a retirement it would be following a championship check-off.

Although he fully intends on and expects to spoil the party for Poirier, Makhachev wants to see his next challenger stick around after.

“He’s talking about retirement, but I don’t want him [to] retire after this fight if I beat him because this guy is dangerous,” Makhachev told NBC Sports. “He can beat everybody, he’s number, like, top five in the world, you know? That’s why I don’t think it’s a good idea for him talking about [being] retired because he’s still a very dangerous guy. That’s why I’m preparing very hard for him.”

This fight is a full-circle title opportunity for Poirier. His first crack at an undisputed belt came after he claimed the interim strap against Max Holloway in April 2019. Poirier then went up against the undefeated legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired the following year and put his focus into coaching fighters like Makhachev.

Nurmagomedov took a break from his direct MMA involvement this past year. At UFC 302, he’ll be in Makhachev’s corner for the first time since he won the title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in October 2022.

“When he comes, it’s a little bit different,” Makhachev said of Nurmagomedov. “Wednesday we have some rest. In the nighttime, we do some sauna, but first, we have to do run. 30 minutes. He always puts something more — more exercise in the camp.

“He always wants to be in the camp, the training, every day working with us, grappling with us, give me always some good rounds. Now, hard to working with him. He become big now. His experience always [brings] good advice.”

Obviously, the Nurmagomedov title shot didn’t go Poirier’s way as he lost via a third-round rear-naked choke. “The Diamond” climbed his way back to title contention in late 2021 when he fought the aforementioned Oliveira off the back of two Conor McGregor TKOs.

Unfortunately, history repeated itself for Poirier who once again lost in the same fashion as his first title bid. Makhachev has had fun with the concept of Poirier’s guillotine submission threat, as has Poirier, but he’s not pinning a specific prediction on how he’ll win. Not yet, anyway.

“We know all Dustin’s weak points,” Makhachev said. “We know where he’s good, we make the fight plan with all [the] team.”

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LET’S WATCH

MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck chats with Jon Anik.

Sound & Pound.

Embedded 2.

Makhachev’s finishes.

Cruz on 302.

Crazy Rodtang.

Volk at Bangtao.

LISTEN UP

Heck of a Morning. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck reacts to Ian Machado Garry vs. MVP booking, countdown to UFC 302.

MORNING MUSIC

Go to Twitter, use the #MorningReport hashtag, or find one of my tweets with it, and drop me a jam you’re currently really into. I’ll pick the best one alongside my daily choice and give you a shoutout! You can also share in the comments below — those are just harder to sift through sometimes!

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Borz.

Rumble ready.

Funky teacher.

Ice and speed.

Update.

Champ to champ.

Signed and sealed.

Not if he spoke up more.

Countdown.

Don’t be silly.

Whoops.

Customs.

Pain.

Collection.

Jacket.

Important question.

Dang.

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Talita Bernardo (6-4) vs. Olga Rubin (9-3); Invicta FC 55, June 28

Christian Rodriguez (11-1) vs. Julian Erosa (29-12); UFC Denver, July 13

FINAL THOUGHTS

I appreciate the sentiment from Makhachev and agree. As noted in previous weeks though, Poirier has nothing left to prove so I understand if he walks away. MMA will be a little bit less exciting without him when he does leave.

Thanks for reading!

EXIT POLL

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