"Not everything has to be mind games” - Fans react to Islam Makhachev’s insight into what goes through his mind during face-offs with opponents

Islam Makhachev is one of the most stoic fighters in the UFC, seldom displaying excessive emotions, either positive or negative. One notable moment of Makhachev's expressing more emotion than expected came during the face-off with Dustin Poirier ahead of UFC 302.

With English not being Makhachev's native language, Poirier's utterance of the phrase "motherf***er" during their face-off sparked a fiery reaction from the lightweight champion.

He mistakenly interpreted the American's phrase as a direct insult to Makhachev's mother. However, the pair were able to discuss the misunderstanding and squash their beef.

The Dagestani fighter recently shared an interesting, and somewhat comedic, insight into his thought process while facing off against his opponents.

During a recent interview on an unspecified Russian program, which was uploaded to X by @jath4niel, he said:

"I can only see the color of their eyes... [The face-off is necessary] for the audience... I looked into your eyes and understood you have brown eyes."

Catch Islam Makhachev's comments below:

Fans found the 33-year-old's admission hilarious, as well as refreshingly honest, as one of them wrote:

"Honest answer, not everything has to be mind games."

Other wrote:

"Islam is just a chill guy"

Another fan noted:

"Islam has to be a comedian or something"

See more fan reactions below:

Screenshot of fan reactions to Islam Makhachev's face-off admission

Face-offs have always been an integral part of combat sports. But as Makhachev pointed out, the major motivation behind having fighters face-off is for the audience's entertainment.

---

Islam Makhachev's manager shares update on his next fight

Islam Makhachev is expected to defend his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan next, with the matchup rumored to be the headlining UFC 311 in January.

But if the rumors are to be believed, UFC is expected to announce the fight in the coming weeks.

Makhachev's longtime manager, Rizvan Magomedov, recently discussed the lightweight champion's next potential fight during a recent interview with Ushatayka. He said:

"No, the contract has not been signed yet. We personally have not signed or received anything. But we’re preparing for January 18. Back in September we were given the date. We accepted it, and there was no specific confirmation about the opponent yet. We assume it will be Arman Tsarukyan."

Catch Rizvan Magomedov discuss Islam Makhachev's next fight below: