UFC 302 fight is scheduled to start soon and this is evidenced by the recent actions of Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier who had a very heated words exchange at the press conference. During the mind games, information coming from the Makhachev camp has irritated the McGregor camp after the Russian mentioned that if he and Khabib fight, their entourages would not follow the same path as the Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier battles.
Makhachev’s Bold Challenge
Although the lightweight champion may have been tongue-in-cheek, the comments unleashed a vengeance withing McGregor’s camp that sparked a ferocious response. Peculiarly, the idea to have a team brawl involving these two fierce rivals has elevated the interest and tension surrounding UFC 302 to the higher level. The hooliganism of the camp is undisputed as Makhachev’s challenge was not met without resistance leading to a clash from either camp.
Johnny Walker Steps Up
Another light heavyweight fighter and an SBG prescribed by Conor McGregor was equally as fast in his reply. Posting on Instagram, Walker issued a stark warning to Makhachev: “Be careful what you wish for I’m on his team and the whole Brazilian favela.” This statement shows that Walker is willing to fight for his gym and teammates even if mcgregor has been through bitter feuds with Brazilians fighters several times in the past.
Another Italian called into the convo was Dillon Danis, McGregor’s former BJJ coach and close buddy. Danis, whose personal passion is to speak freely on social media about the fighters’ intentions, responded to the call: “Let’s do it. I’m in NJ. The fighter hotel is 5 mins from me. Tell me time and place”.
The possibility of a fight envisions a situation similar to the 2018 scuffle between McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, the tutelage of whom is Makhachev. This background of enmity only serves to intensify the present animosity,, making one marvel whether McGregor himself will ultimately answer the call of Makhachev.
Makhachev’s One-Word Game
With that said, let’s mention that Makhachev recently completed the nomination where he had to define other fighters in one word. Specifically, when choosing an opponent for Conor McGregor, Makhachev chose the “left hand” while admitting that McGregor can hit and has dangerous striking. This acknowledgment, though somewhat reluctant, suggests not only a mutual esteem of sorts between the two combatants.
The possibility of a Brawl
McGregor seems to have learned his lesson and will not engage in any more tomfoolery as he knows Dana White and the UFC will not take kindly to unauthorized brawls, especially in the light of poor events preceding confrontations between McGregor and Khabib.
The Bigger Picture
Apart from the rancor though UFC 302 slated for this weekend is expected to be full of back and forths with Makhachev vs. Poirier as the headliner of the night. Though, the likelihood of both fighters coming face to face even outside of cage improves the expectations of fans when it comes to McGregor facing Makhachev.
The brewing conflict between Islam Makhachev and Conor Mcgregor’s team shows the feuds and ego driven personality which most of the UFC fighters represent . In contrast, tensions remain high and fans of the sport will be eager to find out if these tensions explode at UFC 302 or if the presession will see the interests of both parties put aside. However, the expectation and passion contribute to its promise to be an event of the year.
