Poirier recalls disadvantage in fight against Makhachev at UFC 302

Islam makhachev derrotou Dustin poirier No. UFC 302 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

Dustin poirier He commented again on the duel against Islam makhachev and highlighted a significant difference between the two in the Ultimate lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) title fight. The American, who He ended up losing by submission (choke) in the fifth round., revealed that he was at a disadvantage even before the match in UFC 302 to start.

During an appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast, Poirier, who retired from MMA in 2025, highlighted that the difference in physical build was a factor that stood out from the very beginning. According to the former interim champion, Makhachev entered the octagon weighing around 87 kg, while he weighed approximately 79,8 kg, a significant difference for a fight valid for the 70,3 kg category.

“Islam (Makhachev) is enormous. I looked at him and saw veins in his shoulders. I thought, ‘Damn, this guy is gigantic’,” he said. Dustin poirier in the podcast.

Dustin poirier says Islam makhachev weighed 192 lbs when they fought, while he was 176 lbs 😳

“Islam is huge. I looked across and he had veins in his shoulders. I'm like 'f*ck, this guy is huge.'”

(via @joerogan) pic.twitter.com/MtGSLTKUjK

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 17, 2026

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It's true that, after the official weigh-in, athletes usually regain some weight before the fight. However, with this account from the American, it's clear that the Russian stands out even in this aspect.

Dustin Poirier's MMA numbers

Dustin poirier retired after UFC 318. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

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Dustin poirier He has a record of 30 wins, ten losses, and one 'No Contests' in his professional career. The 37-year-old American competed in the featherweight (up to 65,8 kg) and lightweight divisions in the UFC, winning the interim title in the 70,3 kg category.

Despite fighting for the lightweight title on three occasions, 'The Diamond' failed to become the undisputed champion of the division. In addition to title fights, Poirier also challenged for the symbolic 'BMF' title twice, losing each time. Justin gaethje e Max Hollowayrespectively.