Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev kept it respectful as they squared off for one last time in Newark tonight.
The pair both made the 155lb lightweight limit early during today’s commission weigh-ins. But they took to the scales in front of a packed crowd at the Prudential Center for a ceremonial exercise.
Their UFC 302 headliner will be Makhachev’s third defence of his title, and Poirier’s final opportunity at the gold after two failed attempts.
After an intense face-off at yesterday’s press conference where Makhachev took issue with a swear word Poirier had used, the pair seemed more relaxed this evening. However, the tension was still palpable as the American got in close.
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Dustin Poirier and Islam Mahachev refuse to give much away ahead of UFC 302
After a spicy war of words yesterday, Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier both were not in the form for speaking much when quizzed by host Joe Rogan on the scales. The American was cheered as the arena’s favourite, while Makhachev was roundly booed.
Poirier decided not to engage in too much more trash talking after the pair almost came to blows yesterday, telling Rogan: “It means everything to me, New Jersey it’s great to be here, thank you all I appreciate you. The talk is done, Joe. It’s time to fight.”
Makhachev was similarly coy as he lapped up the disapproval from the Newark crowd. He shrugged and grinned at them before telling Rogan: “I will show you guys what they mean by pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. See you tomorrow.”
Sean Strickland not given a microphone as he receives huge ovation ahead of UFC 302
The co-main event between Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa drew a massive crowd reaction during the earlier part of the ceremonial weigh-ins. Fighters from the area such as Mickey Gall and Randy Brown were also given rousing receptions.
Strickland, who has headlined away from America for his last two world title bouts, was received with a rapturous ovation from the Newark crowd. But the promotion opted against giving him a live microphone as they powered through the segment.
Costa came out with a chain advertising what he calls his ‘secret juice’, which is a beverage he uses to cut weight that he plans to release after the fight. He also had with him a pair of flags that appeared to be for Mexico and America.
Strickland, as usual, awkwardly fumbled his way through the face-off portion before making a triumphant turn towards the crowd. Both fighters were received well by the fans in New Jersey.