Islam Makhachev has a clear plan: defeat Dustin Poirier on Saturday and later this year become a two-division UFC champion.
Having secured the lightweight belt in Abu Dhabi in late 2022 and since defended it there, the emirate that has become a home from home feels a rather decent spot to mine welterweight gold, too.
So, see off Poirier in the headline bout at UFC 302 in New Jersey this weekend, and capture the 170lb title – Leon Edwards defends the strap against Belal Muhammad this summer – at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi in October.
“When I’m thinking about this, it makes me very excited and I want this,” Makhachev tells The National from New Jersey, a few days out from his match-up with Poirier. “That’s what I want, these things that wake me up every morning.”
The connection to the UAE capital is clear. Makhachev, 25-1 in professional MMA, has fought four times in Abu Dhabi, including his title-winning blitz of Charles Oliveira in October 2022 and then, a full year later, his crushing knockout in the rematch with then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.
The UFC 294 headliner seven months ago represents Makhachev’s most recent UFC bout. On Saturday, at the Prudential Centre in Newark, he returns against No 4-ranked lightweight contender, and two-time title challenger Poirier, as he bids to successfully defend his 155lb crown for the third time.
With two of his past three fights staged in Abu Dhabi - the initial Volkanovski encounter took place in Australia, in February last year – and Dubai forming his regular training base in the build-up, Makhachev has mixed it up somewhat this time.
Not that it necessarily feels that much different.
“Fight week in Australia, in Abu Dhabi or now in New Jersey, it's always the same,” Makhachev says. “I have the program of the last 10 days. I put in my book, how much I cut weight, how much I weigh in the morning, how I'm eating.
“It's always the same schedule and the same fight week. Always hard training, cutting weight, media – all the stuff comes together. But I'm ready. It’s not the first time I did this.”
Makhachev, 32, is a regular visitor to the UAE, even outside of competing. The Dagestan native concedes he misses the hospitality he is afforded in the Emirates, but the shift Stateside has been made more manageable by renting a house for the past three weeks. He has his own chef, also, to help minimise the transition to new surroundings.
Still, Makhachev says: “Almost the same, but of course in Abu Dhabi it's better always.”
Change, though, can be beneficial. Makhachev has enjoyed being in the United States, since it’s the “No 1 country for the UFC and MMA fans”.
Yet Abu Dhabi typically allows Makhachev “home” advantage. Obviously, that’s a positive, but it can distract too.
“A lot of people come,” he says. “Sometimes it's makes you, not nervous, but something you're thinking about is that a lot of people come, family, and everybody’s watching. You have to take care of them. But in the US, not many people have a visa. I came with just 20 people now and just focus for the fight.
"And maybe sometimes it’s better to fight in the US because more people are going to know you. In Abu Dhabi, I fought four times, I get the belt there, I defend my belt there. Now I have to fight for the US fans.”
On Saturday, Makhachev faces a firm fan favourite. American Poirier has seen it all at the sharp end of MMA and done almost everything as well. His storied pro career sits at 30-8 (one no contest). He is a former lightweight interim champion.
The only notch missing on Poirier’s UFC CV is an undisputed crown. He has tried twice before: in 2019, he lost to Makhachev’s long-time friend and training partner Khabib Nurmagomedov, at UFC 249 in Abu Dhabi, while in December 2021, he was beaten by Oliveira at UFC 269 in Las Vegas.
At 35, Poirier has admitted UFC 302 likely constitutes his final shot at gold. Lose, and he could even walk away from the sport. So, does that make the man with dynamite in his fists more dangerous?
“Honestly, I can make this quite easy,” Makhachev says, matter-of-factly. “And I hope he is not retired after this fight because he is one of the best in the world and he can beat a lot of other guys in our division.”
Makhachev, the sport’s current top pound-for-pound male athlete, adds that he is not underestimating Poirier. It’s simply that he possesses a cast-iron confidence.
“Because my style,” he says. “It's the worse style for all these fighters. I am No 1 in the world. That's why I prepare myself a hundred per cent. I have to show my best performance and I will defend my belt many, many years more.
“And I will be the pound-for-pound best fighter in many, many years more, Inshallah.”
Makhachev is convinced he will show that on Saturday. He recognises Poirier’s power, was impressed by his knockout victory against the fast-rising Benoit Saint-Denis in March – Poirier entered the bout at UFC 299 as underdog – and thus realises he must be fully focused come fight night.
However, he expects nothing but a win.
“I don't want to say I will do something, but no matter how it’s going to happen, I’m ready,” Makhachev says. “I’m training very hard for anything – I will ready.
“Like I do for every fight. If my opponent’s a striker, my opponent’s a wrestler; I prepare everything.”
That said, he understands the importance of UFC 302.
“In my opinion, for the legacy of my career right now, Dustin is that No 1 name, who fought for the title twice, who was been BMF champion and who beat a lot of tough opponents,” Makhachev says. “I want to fight with some people who have a name, a big name like Dustin.
"Legacy means you beat fighters like Dustin’s level.”
Legacy, as well, is two-division-champion status. And Abu Dhabi in October seems a pretty perfect place to do it.
“Oh, it's a big chance [he fights there in October],” Makhachev says. “I know UFC always wants to put me in Abu Dhabi... if UFC say, ‘Let's go, let's do it’, I will be ready. If I’m not injured and I'm healthy, why not?”
Get through Poirier, and a rematch with No 1 lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has been mooted for UFC 308 at Etihad Arena.
For Makhachev, though, there are bigger fish out there, greater accomplishments to chase.
“Whoever has the welterweight belt,” he smiles. “That’s my dream opponent.”
UFC 302 is available in the UAE via StarzPlay, the UFC’s exclusive broadcast partner in the Middle East.
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
THE BIO
Occupation: Specialised chief medical laboratory technologist
Age: 78
Favourite destination: Always Al Ain “Dar Al Zain”
Hobbies: his work - “ the thing which I am most passionate for and which occupied all my time in the morning and evening from 1963 to 2019”
Other hobbies: football
Favorite football club: Al Ain Sports Club
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000
On sale: now
HAJJAN
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Abu%20Bakr%20Shawky%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cbr%3EStarring%3A%20Omar%20Alatawi%2C%20Tulin%20Essam%2C%20Ibrahim%20Al-Hasawi%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The%20specs
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UAE squad
Ali Kashief, Salem Rashid, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Khalfan Mubarak, Ali Mabkhout, Omar Abdelrahman, Mohammed Al Attas (Al Jazira), Mohmmed Al Shamsi, Hamdan Al Kamali, Mohammad Barghash, Khalil Al Hammadi (Al Wahda), Khalid Eisa, Mohammed Shakir, Ahmed Barman, Bandar Al Ahbabi (Al Ain), Adel Al Hosani, Al Hassan Saleh, Majid Suroor (Sharjah), Waleed Abbas, Ismail Al Hammadi, Ahmed Khalil (Shabab Al Ahli Dubai) Habib Fardan, Tariq Ahmed, Mohammed Al Akbari (Al Nasr), Ali Saleh, Ali Salmeen (Al Wasl), Hassan Al Mahrami (Baniyas)
Masters%20of%20the%20Air
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The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.
The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.
“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.
“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”
Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.
Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.
“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.
SPECS
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
2024%20Dubai%20Marathon%20Results
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Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
'Falling%20for%20Christmas'
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White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Brief scores
Day 1
Toss England, chose to bat
England, 1st innings 357-5 (87 overs): Root 184 not out, Moeen 61 not out, Stokes 56; Philander 3-46
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Fines for littering
In Dubai:
Dh200 for littering or spitting in the Dubai Metro
Dh500 for throwing cigarette butts or chewing gum on the floor, or littering from a vehicle.
Dh1,000 for littering on a beach, spitting in public places, throwing a cigarette butt from a vehicle
In Sharjah and other emirates
Dh500 for littering - including cigarette butts and chewing gum - in public places and beaches in Sharjah
Dh2,000 for littering in Sharjah deserts
Dh500 for littering from a vehicle in Ras Al Khaimah
Dh1,000 for littering from a car in Abu Dhabi
Dh1,000 to Dh100,000 for dumping waste in residential or public areas in Al Ain
Dh10,000 for littering at Ajman's beaches
Super Rugby play-offs
Quarter-finals
- Hurricanes 35, ACT 16
- Crusaders 17, Highlanders 0
- Lions 23, Sharks 21
- Chiefs 17, Stormers 11
Semi-finals
Saturday, July 29
- Crusaders v Chiefs, 12.35pm (UAE)
- Lions v Hurricanes, 4.30pm
