Islam Makhachev Says Khabib Let Dustin Poirier Jump Guillotine – “I Will Give Him My Neck”

Current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is all set to return to the Octagon at UFC 302 next. The Dagestani fighter will face Dustin Poirier after the latter’s emphatic win at UFC 299. Makhachev previously declined to face Poirier but later agreed to fight him because he had no other options. These comments have not gone well with ‘The Diamond,’ and he has revealed his game plans against Makhachev in recent interviews.

In most of his interviews, Poirier has revealed that he will use his famous guillotine choke against the champion. However, the 32-year-old seems unfazed by his threats. Why? Makhachev recently sat down for a chat with Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen and shared an interesting story about Poirier’s guillotine.

Islam Makhachev shared Khabib Nurmagomedov’s game plan in his recent interview

Before his UFC 302 fight, Islam Makhachev shared what he felt about his next opponent, Dustin Poirier, and labeled him dangerous. However, he did mention the fact that he doesn’t quite fear his famous guillotine choke. While responding to Cormier’s mention of Poirier’s guillotine, Makhachev said, “Brother, honestly I respect him but. Okay, I don’t respect his guillotine but all his skills. Because I never see him finish someone in the guillotine. Maybe one day, but it’s not gonna be me.”

Cormier then reminded Makhachev of a particular incident involving Khabib Nurmagomedov. ‘The Eagle’ took on Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 and defeated him via submission in the third round. However, there was a point in the match where Poirier did apply the guillotine on the former champion. While speaking to Cormier, Makhachev revealed it was all part of Khabib’s plan. “No, before the fight, I swear to god Khabib told me he catch me in guillotine I have to feel. I will give him my neck and make him tired. And what we did in before the fight,” Makhachev revealed.

The entire conversation then shifted towards the next big step in the career of Islam Makhachev. After dominating the lightweight division what’s next for the 32-year-old?

Islam Makhachev now wants to move to a completely new division

The Dagestani fighter has always been interested in the welterweight division. One of his biggest goals is to become a two-division champion next. A move to the welterweight division will allow him to do that. In his recent appearance at the ‘Good Guy/Bad Guy’ show, Sonnen asked the champion about his future plans. One of the biggest concerns for the lightweight kingpin is the lack of good fighters in the division. After nearly defeating most of the established fighters, he seems to be worried about options. Makhachev said, “Man, who we have next? Now, we have Poirier. After if I beat Poirier and Arman, I don’t know. I don’t have some job in my division. And I need the second belt.”

If Makhachev beats Poirier next, he is most likely to face Arman Tsarukyan next in his career. Beating the 27-year-old would mean he will have no more challenges left in the division. However, he will first have to go past an in-form Dustin Poirier in his next fight. The UFC 302 is just a few months away and the fans will be desperate to see a new champion. However, ‘The Diamond’ has his work cut out against the wrestling skills of the Dagestani fighter.

With the lightweight title on the line, who do you think will come out on top? Let us know in the comments below.