Dustin Poirier looks across the octagon after knocking out Conor McGregor at UFC 257.
Dustin Poirier says Islam Makhachev is the toughest fight at lightweight
Dustin Poirier believes Islam Makhachev is the toughest fight at lightweight.
Ever since Khabib Nurmagomdov retired, he along with several other AKA fighters like Daniel Cormier have said Makhachev is the best lightweight and it’s only a matter of time before he becomes the champ. For Poirier, he believes Makhachev is the toughest fight at lightweight due to his style and being so similar to Nurmagomedov.
“For a few years now, I think 155 has been one of, if not the toughest, division in the UFC,” Poirier said in an ESPN+ Q&A session hosted by UFC correspondent Laura Sanko (via MMAJunkie). “It’s been top-heavy for a lot of years, with a lot of contenders waiting for their shot. And now there’s new guys in the mix and it’s growing stronger. But right off the top, I don’t really know. I think Khabib would, but he’s not in the mix right now. Maybe Islam (Makhachev) – similar style.”
Although Dustin Poirier thinks Islam Makhachev is the toughest fight at lightweight, the Dagestani native still needs to earn his way into the title contention. Makhachev hasn’t beaten anyone in the top-10 and when he fought them, only two of his opponent were ranked. However, he has been dominating them and his win over Thiago Moises was impressive. If he can do the same to Rafael dos Anjos, then he would be in the title mix.
As for Poirier, he is coming off back-to-back wins over Conor McGregor and will likely face Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title next. However, he has also hinted about getting big money fights like Nate Diaz or a fourth bout with McGregor once he is healthy. He has fought for undisputed UFC gold before but was submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov, so he knows how grinding of a style Makhachev has.
