UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is gearing up for a high-stakes showdown against the seasoned fighter Dustin Poirier. As the June 1 UFC 302 main event approaches, Makhachev has confidently revealed his game plan, and it centers around exploiting Poirier’s weaknesses.
Makhachev’s mentor, the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, previously out-grappled Poirier en route to a third-round submission victory at UFC 242. Drawing from this experience, Makhachev sees a straightforward path to success.
Islam Makhachev’s Key to Victory
Islam Makhachev’s assessment of Poirier’s style is clear: “Dustin, he is a warrior, a legend – he has more experience in this sport than most. But his problem is his style.” According to Makhachev, Poirier’s weak point lies in wrestling and grappling. And here’s where Makhachev believes he holds the key to an “easy fight.”
Islam Makhachev shares his gameplan for his upcoming fight against Dustin Poirier 🤼🧐#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/2o7lWM34wS
— Sportskeeda MMA (@sportskeedaMMA) April 29, 2024
- Wrestling Dominance: Islam Makhachev plans to take Poirier down and control him on the ground. His wrestling prowess, honed by years of training alongside Khabib, gives him a significant advantage. Poirier’s vulnerability in this area could be the deciding factor.
- Avoiding the Guillotine: Poirier has a penchant for attempting guillotine chokes, a submission he nearly caught Nurmagomedov with. Makhachev humorously acknowledges this: “Dustin, be ready and wrestle a lot. I defend my neck, I’m ready for your guillotine. It won’t happen in our fight, but I’ll be prepared.”
Poirier wasn’t initially in Makhachev’s plans, but circumstances led to this matchup. With Gaethje’s loss and Arman Tsarukyan declining a short-notice opportunity, Poirier emerged as the logical choice. Makhachev acknowledges Poirier’s credentials but remains confident in his own abilities.
As the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., prepares to host UFC 302, fans eagerly await this clash of styles. Will Makhachev’s calculated approach prevail, or can Poirier defy expectations? One thing is certain: the octagon will reveal the answers, and the world will witness a strategic battle for the ages.
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