Benoit St. Denis has his eyes set. He’s convinced that Islam Makhachev packs a more diverse arsenal than Dustin Poirier. The showdown? UFC 302.
Makhachev is gearing up to defend his lightweight title. The stage is set for June 1 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Poirier, with his elite boxing, earned his spot by knocking out St. Denis in the second round at UFC 299. But, St. Denis hints, there’s more to the fight game than just punches.
Poirier might have the knockout power, but Makhachev? He’s got a toolkit that’s brimming with ways to win. Knockouts, submissions, decisions – you name it.
“It’s a great fight,” St. Denis spilled to MMA Fighting. He was at the ADXC 4 grappling event in Paris, just soaking in the scene. “Poirier’s got the boxing, sure. But Makhachev’s got…well, everything else.”
The plan seems clear. Makhachev will look to wrestle Poirier to the ground, aiming for a submission. Poirier, on the other hand, will be hunting for that one perfect punch. The anticipation is palpable.
And then there’s the big event plug. “Order Now! UFC 302 ‘Makhachev vs. Poirier’ Saturday at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.” Can’t miss that, right?
Makhachev’s versatility could be the key. He’s got the skills to end the fight in multiple ways. Poirier’s hope? A knockout. But if it drags out, Makhachev’s stamina and strength might just tip the scales in his favor. “It’s an interesting fight anyway,” St. Denis muses.
After a rocky start in the UFC back in 2021, St. Denis bounced back. He was riding high on a five-fight winning streak before facing Poirier. Despite being the favorite, the “Diamond” proved too tough an opponent.
But St. Denis isn’t one to dwell on the past. He’s already back in the win column after beating Marc Diakiese at ADXC 4. Now, he’s got his sights set on bigger challenges. UFC Manchester or UFC Paris? He’s game for either. Or both. Why not?
“I just want to fight,” he declares. His manager’s on the hunt for the next big matchup. St. Denis is itching to climb the rankings and prove he’s among the best. “I need a tough opponent,” he says, eyes on the prize.
Despite the setback against Poirier, St. Denis showed he’s no pushover. He dominated the first round, proving he’s got what it takes to hang with the elite. Now, he’s eyeing the top of the lightweight division. Makhachev, Tsarukyan, Gaethje, Poirier – he’s ready for anyone. “But, of course, you need to earn that,” he acknowledges. The journey continues for St. Denis, with his eyes firmly set on the top.