What made Islam Makhachev lose his cool during Dustin Poirier face-off?

Islam Makhachev is often laid back and rarely shows much emotion in the buildup to fights, but this time was different.

The pound-for-pound king is attempting to make his third straight defense of the lightweight title next time out. A lot of respect has been shared between the champion and the challenger but tempers flared during the pre-fight press conference.

Islam Makhachev is set to face Dustin Poirier in what could potentially be ‘The Diamond’s final appearance inside the octagon. With the stakes set so high for both competitors, things understandably got a little heated on Thursday.

As the two faced off in anticipation for their UFC 302 headliner, Islam Makhachev became upset at a comment made by Dustin Poirier. Immersed in the fight week, Poirier’s ‘motherf***er’ comment wasn’t well received by his opponent.

Makhachev’s calm demeanor shifted as he demanded Poirier never to call him a ‘motherf***er’ again.

Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier exchanged words in their first faceoff 😳 #UFC302

(via @danawhite) pic.twitter.com/4m0XiIQDr4

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 30, 2024

Islam Makhachev is incredibly disciplined, showcasing that numerous times on his way to the top. 

He often takes no notice and brushes trash talk aside. The Russian’s reaction raised some eyebrows, but Michael Bisping believes he knows why it unfolded the way it did.

“Do not mention the word mother to Islam Makhachev because he will not take kindly to it,” Bisping said. “He doesn’t really lose his sh*t, unless when you face up, Dustin Poirier mentions his mother.”

Related: Conor McGregor attacks ‘inbred’ Islam Makhachev amid staph infection scare

“Except he doesn’t mention his mother, Dustin Poirier would never do that. He said, ‘You’re going to sleep, motherf***er.'”

Continuing, Bisping stated that it may have been a translation error that led to Makhachev’s out-of-character reaction.

“Maybe it was a little bit lost in translation. Maybe he thought he was talking about his mother. Maybe it doesn’t translate well to Russian.”

Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier will take center stage at UFC 302 on Saturday with lightweight gold on the line.

Check out what Michael Bisping had to say about the bout below.