Islam Makhachev: Alex Pereira weighs in on Islam Makhachev's 'Ultimate UFC Fighter' build with just two names

Islam Makhachev is exuding confidence with his welterweight title clash against Jack Della Maddalena now just over a day away. Adding to the buzz, Alex Pereira has given his stamp of approval to Makhachev's Ultimate UFC Fighter build.

At the UFC 322 pre-fight presser, the former lightweight champion was asked to choose between him and Della Maddalena across several key MMA fighter aptitudes. True to form, Makhachev backed himself in nearly every category.

The Dagestani picked power, cardio, fight IQ, wrestling, and chin in his favor, conceding only one skill to his opponent - mic skills.

Check out Islam Makhachev's comments below:

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As the clip started going around on social media, 'Poatan' shared it on his Instagram story with multiple applause emojis.

Check out Alex Pereira's reaction to Islam Makhachev's Ultimate UFC Fighter Build below:

Screenshots courtesy: @alexpoatanpereira on Instagram

Despite moving up a weight class, Makhachev seems to be favored by the matchmakers and much of the fandom against Della Maddalena. According to Syracuse.com, the 34-year-old is a -275 favorite for the match-up, with the welterweight champion as a +220 underdog.

While wrestling is being touted as the sambo maestro's path to victory, the former pound-for-pound king also feels confident in his chances regardless of where the fight might end up.

While 'Poatan' seems to be Team Makhachev for UFC 322, it doesn't seem the feeling is mutual. During a recent interview with Adin Ross, the lightweight legend dismissed excuses for Pereira's loss to Magomed Ankalaev in their first fight.

Islam Makhachev slams excuses for Alex Pereira's loss

After Alex Pereira lost to Magomed Ankalaev in their first meeting at UFC 313, the narrative that emerged was that 'Poatan' was suffering from lingering effects of a norovirus infection and a broken hand during the contest.

Even MMA mainstays like Joe Rogan echoed the sentiment. Islam Makhachev, however, isn't buying the excuses and clapped back at the narrative during a recent interview with Kick streamer Adin Ross:

"Just lose or win, you know. After like one year, nobody cares what happened, [whether] you were injured or sick or something happened. It's your opinion, you fight, or not fight."