Poirier retires from MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/dustinpoirier
Dustin Poirier knows Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev 's fighting styles well . After sharing the octagon with both throughout his career, the former interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) gave his prediction on who would win a potential fight between the two.
During his appearance on UFC on Paramount, in the 'Deep Waters' segment on YouTube, this Monday (17), the American explained that his assessment takes into account precisely the experience he has accumulated against the two Dagestanis. For 'Diamante', these fights were essential to define his favorite in the confrontation.
"In my personal opinion, in my experience, when I fought Khabib and when I fought Islam, I think Khabib would beat him, that's my opinion," stated Dustin Poirier.
Poirier faced Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242 in 2019 in a lightweight title unification fight. The Russian won by submission in the third round, while the fight against Makhachev took place at UFC 302 in 2024, resulting in another defeat, this time by submission in the fifth round.
The opinion of 'The Diamond' places Khabib ahead of his successor in a possible confrontation. Despite this, Islam Makhachev has been building a historic resume and, after his victory over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 , reached his 17th consecutive victory in the organization, surpassing the record previously held by Anderson Silva.
Khabib Nurmagomedov's history in professional MMA.
Khabib celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Khabib is considered one of the greatest fighters . The Russian ended his career in October 2020, shortly after submitting Justin Gaethje and defending his lightweight title for the third time at UFC 254. Retired undefeated, 'The Eagle' left the sport with a perfect record of 29 wins, eight by knockout, 11 by submission, and 10 by decision. He defeated Conor McGregor , Dustin Poirier , Rafael dos Anjos , and Edson Barboza.
Fighters of Islam Makhachev
Makhachev promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
At 34 years old, Makhachev is one of the top names in the UFC and currently the organization's welterweight champion. The Russian has a professional record of 29 wins and one loss, with five wins by knockout and 13 by submission, numbers that highlight his dominance in grappling and his evolution in striking.
Former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), Islam Makhachev has built one of the most dominant careers in the event's recent history. He has victories over names like Charles Oliveira , Dustin Poirier , Alexander Volkanovski , and Ian Machado Garry , and maintains a long winning streak in the organization, with 17 consecutive wins.
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
Comments