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There are few more dominant fighters in the UFC today than Islam Makhachev. Born in the Russian city of Makhachkala, Makhachev has won 25 of his 26 fights and is a disciple of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov.
In his own right, he is the lightweight king and the number one in the pound-for-pound ranking. On the eve of his fight with Dustin Poirier in New Jersey, USA, he spoke to MARCA about whether he can triumph in his third defence of his belt and whether his team had enough time to put on a 'normal' training camp.
"Why don't I have it? I have enough time. Man, when you're training your whole life it doesn't matter who you fight," Makhachev said.
"Dustin Poirier, Jon Jones or someone [else]... you prepare for the fight, not for the other person. Not for the opponent. For you. You train your whole life to be ready. It doesn't matter who the rival is."
On the influence of his coach Nurmagomedov, he added: "Honestly, he is one of the best coaches. Maybe he is the best coach in the world. I don't think he has to explain why he is the best coach. I think people understand it. He's a former UFC champion, he's undefeated, he's undisputed... and he knows more than anyone about this.
"All the fighters he follows and watches, all the fights he sees. There are times when I don't know a fighter, but he does. He knows the kids, the weak points, what they're good at."
Not ruling out Ilia Topuria fight
When asked about the Spanish-Georgian fighter Ilia Topuria as rumors suggest he could fight Conor McGregor, Makhachev claimed the fight won't happen.
"It would be a little different because Conor is big but Topuria is good and he's still hungry. Conor is not hungry and I don't think this fight can happen," he added.
"I don't 100% believe Conor is going to fight [Michael] Chandler, we've seen how he prepares for the fight. If this guy isn't hungry... he's not the same. I don't think it will happen.
Makhachev then hinted he would be open to facing Topuria if the 27-year-old makes his way out of his division.
"Ilia is good. I think in my opinion he has good wrestling skills but he always uses his boxing skills. And when you have good boxing, your rival has good boxing... he is a little dangerous," Makhachev added.
"He's good but his next opponent is Max Holloway. If he beats Max, Movsar Evloev... he [still] has a big job to do in his division."
On facing Topuria, he said; "Man... I don't know why little guys want to fight me. He would give him the chance. I gave [Alexander] Volkanovski the chance twice. Maybe for the future... someday. Why not?"