'Everybody can finish Conor…' Islam Makhachev takes dig at Conor McGregor and doesn’t rate Dustin Poirier’s wins over Irishman

Makhachev asserted McGregor is an easy fight in right now. He attributed it to the Irishman’s alleged unhealthy lifestyle. If an opportunity arises, Makhachev revealed he has no problems fighting McGregor. However, after Poirier, Arman Tsarukyan is the priority for the pound-for-pound king.

Makhachev is following in the footsteps of his mentor and best friend, Khabib Nurmagomedov . Khabib’s cousin Umar has a number one contender fight with Cory Sandhagen . Usman, Umar’s younger brother, is an undefeated lightweight champion, presently with PFL. Magomed Ankalaev , also from Dagestan, is one of the best at light heavyweight.

Islam Makhachev reveals the reason for the success of fighters from Dagestan

Legendary UFC champion Royce Gracie was a recent guest on the Joe Rogan Experience . On the podcast, Gracie attributed the success of the Dagestani fighters to discipline and focus. Gracie had recently converted to Islam and was thus privy to the Dagestanis, who are predominantly Muslim.

On the Pound 4 Pound podcast, co-host Henry Cejudo asked why many successful MMA fighters are from Dagestan. Makhachev’s response was not similar to Gracie’s but was almost along the same line. For Makhachev, the truth was visible inside the gyms in the UFC.

It's the competition inside the gym, you know, like in Dagestan. All the wrestling gyms are full, with more than 100 people training there. For example, our gym has Sambo classes, MMA classes, and wrestling classes for the kids. All the classes are full; we don't have enough space for training. Everybody wants to train...The competition inside the gym makes you better every day...iron sharpens iron. Islam Makhachev via Pound 4 Pound

Makhachev’s previous two title defenses were against Alexander Volkanovski , the featherweight champion at the time. As such, he has faced criticism for not having a title defense against a lightweight. Therefore, he wants to make a statement at UFC 302 against Dustin Poirier.