The headliners of UFC 302, Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier, came face-to-face for the first time during fight week, and had plenty of words to exchange.
After a spirited press conference Thursday in New Jersey, the competitors in the lightweight title bout faced off. After getting up close and personal, Makhachev and Poirier began exchanging words that could not be heard on the event’s official live stream. Shortly after, the UFC released a video from on stage, where the words traded could be heard more clearly.
“I’m going to knock you out on Saturday,” Poirier said to Makhachev. “Sleep. I’m going to sleep-stop you. You’re going to be diving for my legs, praying. You’re going to be diving for my legs. You’re going to be laying and praying, that’s what you’re going to be doing. You’re going to sleep, motherf*cker.”
While Poirier was talking, Makahchev offered short, dismissive replies, including “Don’t tap and you will sleep.”
Makhachev appeared to enjoy the banter until Poirier went too far in his eyes.
“Don’t say motherf*cker,” Makhachev said. “Don’t say motherf*cker. Don’t say that or I’ll slap you.”
“Don’t get in my face like that,” Poirier responded. “Be respectful.”
Security on the stage stepped between the fighters at that point, but Makhachev insisted he wanted to continue the conversation without getting physical.
“Brother, it’s not – in my county, you do not say,” Makhachev said.”Don’t say motherf*cker to me.”
“I have respect for you, brother,” Poirier responded. “We’re going to fight.”
