Can Dustin Poirier beat Islam Makhachev? One of the American’s training partners thinks so.
At the start of 2024, Dustin Poirier did not seem to be in the conversation to be champion Islam Makhachev’s next opponent. But since his KO victory over Benoît Saint Denis, the situation has changed. The American is ranked number 3 at lightweight. Number 2, Justin Gaethje, will face Max Holloway for the BMF belt on April 13 at UFC 300. Number 1, Charles Oliveira, will face number 4 Arman Tsarukyan during the same evening. ‘The Diamond’ will therefore probably be the only one available to face the champion in June.
Islam Makhachev is Khabib’s protégé. Although he doesn’t fight the same way as ‘The Eagle’, their style does have similarities. Considering what Khabib did to Dustin Poirier, many observers largely give the advantage to Islam Makhachev. However, ‘The Diamond’ teammate, Thiago Moisés, does not agree.
Makhachev vs. Poirier
Thiago Moisés is rather well placed to speak. The Brazilian is Poirier’s training partner at American Top Team, and fought 4 rounds with Islam Makhachev in 2021 (he lost by submission).
“Dustin, he’s a beast, you know? He’s been in this game for so long and at the top. I respect him a lot and it was amazing to see him win as a teammate,” Moisés told MMA News.
“His boxing is so sharp, he’s fun to watch and I love his personality. We’ve been training together for over 10 years, I think.”
“I think he’s going to fight for the belt again soon. I think there is nothing new to say about Makhachev versus Poirier. Of course, Islam has the advantage in grappling. But if he lets Dustin touch him, Dustin will break him and he will fall.”
In recent days, a little tension has arisen between Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev. The champion attacked the American after the latter said he could beat anyone.
