SUMMARY
- Dustin Poirier highlighted key difference between Islam Makhachev and his former foe, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
- UFC 302 could possibly be Poirier final fight but he hasn't decided on retiring yet.
Whenever Dustin Poirier is on a fight card, it’s always going to be an unforgiving blood bath. The veteran is pushing 19 years since making his professional debut and he has given fans a ton of memorable moments. From beating Conor McGregor 2-1 in an insane trilogy to fighting almost every champion there has been over the last decade, Poirier has a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Tough group today!! pic.twitter.com/ll3SA5H4pQ
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) May 6, 2024
UFC 302 will be featuring the second Poirier fight this year. During UFC 299, Poirier fought as a serious underdog against a rising Benoit Saint-Denis, the No.13 ranked lightweight. After a serious second-round knockout, The Diamond became an immediate contender for the lightweight title over Justin Gaethje. Poirier cut through to fight for the title after Gaethje lost his BMF matchup against Max Holloway during UFC 300, nearly a year after he beat the former interim champion.
Dustin Poirier points out how Islam Makhachev is going to be tougher than Khabib Nurmagomedov
Dustin Poirier will be fighting against the lightweight king, Islam Makhachev. There is a lot on the line for both fighters as Islam will be participating to extend his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy. Poirer previously fought Khabib for the title in 2019, losing by submission. During a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, The Diamond spoke about various differences between Islam and Khabib claiming that the current champion poses a bigger threat to him.
“He really doesn’t have a whole lot of openings. Seems super heavy on top, great control, good kicks, obviously great wrestling, a lot of good body locks and trips against the fence,” he said. Poirier added, “I think his submission game, jiu-jitsu wise is a little more versatile than Khabib’s was. Khabib had some chokes that he did really well.”
“But Islam’s putting himself in, you could say bad positions going for arm bars, you know, maybe he loses a position but he trusts his wrestling to get it back. I think he’s a little bit more of a threat jiu-jitsu-wise in scrambles. But I think his striking is better than Khabib’s, yeah,” Poirier concluded.
Islam has tied Khabib’s record in submissions, both going 11-0. However, Islam is bigger and has more knowledge of various forms of MAA than just wrestling. The reigning lightweight champion is also more inclined towards his striking, which Poirier can match easily.
Dustin Poirier points out how Islam Makhachev is going to be tougher than Khabib Nurmagomedov
As far as retirement goes, most of the top-ranked lightweight are currently at the tail end of their career, Dustin Poirier included. Earlier this month, Poirier addressed a possible retirement after UFC 302 but he isn’t too sure about it since he feels he can compete for a bit longer.
Dustin Poirier on his motivation for UFC 302: “My daughter is going to be there front row for the first time ever.” ❤️
(via The MMA Hour) pic.twitter.com/8JZfChG2aO
— Full Violence ™ (@Full_Violence) May 6, 2024
“I just have a lot of stuff that kinda gets put on hold, so to say, for me to chase these dreams and stuff like that… I’m approaching 18 years of fighting, and I wanna become the world champion and live my life, you know?… It could be [my last fight]. I haven’t made an official decision yet, but it could be,” he told Fight Bananas.
If Dustin wins against Islam, the chances of him retiring are very unlikely as he might want to defend the title at some point. However, a loss could possibly push him to hang up his gloves for good. He has fought for UFC gold thrice while winning the interim title once. Poirier also has a winning record against multiple former UFC champions and ones of various other promotions.