Oh boy, Islam Makhachev’s coach is dropping some serious claims. He’s saying Makhachev’s skills? Top-notch. They’re at their peak. And guess what? He’s confident that Makhachev can outstrike Dustin Poirier. Yeah, you heard that right.
Now, for those who’ve been following, Makhachev (25-1) is gearing up to defend his lightweight title. He’s facing Poirier (30-8, 1 NC) in what’s shaping up to be a blockbuster main event at UFC 302. This showdown’s happening on June 1, right in the heart of Newark, New Jersey, at the Prudential Center.
Given Poirier’s rep for thriving in intense slugfests and Makhachev’s solid grappling roots, you’d think the plan’s simple. Get the fight to the ground, right? Well, not so fast.
Makhachev’s team has been buzzing about his improved striking game. And Makhachev himself threw a bit of a curveball. He claims his buddy, Bellator MMA lightweight king Usman Nurmagomedov, packs better striking than Poirier. Coach Bagandov is backing this up, suggesting Makhachev’s not just holding his ground in stand-up battles but might actually outshine “The Diamond.”
Bagandov spilled the beans on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s YouTube channel. He’s been eyeing Poirier for ages and admits the guy’s striking technique is something special. But, Islam? He’s not just keeping pace; he’s potentially outclassing him. Bagandov’s bold enough to say that, wrestling aside, Makhachev could outbox Poirier. In pure boxing or muay thai, Islam’s not trailing behind in any aspect.
Makhachev’s striking evolution is no joke. He’s been in the ring with some formidable opponents, like Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski. Remember when he floored “The Great” with a head kick? Meanwhile, Poirier’s not been slacking. His knockout win over Benoit St. Denis in March? That was a stark reminder of his knockout prowess.
So, there you have it. Makhachev vs. Poirier is shaping up to be an epic clash, with both fighters bringing their A-game. Can’t wait to see how this unfolds.