Dustin Poirier reacts to Islam Makhachev becoming champion at UFC 280 and says he is “highest level” of mixed martial artist
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Islam Makhachev (L) gets high praise from Dustin Poirier (R)
Game recognizes Game! Legendary UFC lightweight Dustin Poirier is very impressed with Islam Makhachev and his performance at UFC 280 to become champion.
According to former interim UFC champion, Dustin Poirier, Islam Makhachev’s victory against Charles Oliveira is the “sweetest” way to become champion. The protege of Khabib Nurmagomedov came out of the dangerous lightweight title fight unscathed as he submitted Oliveira in the second round to become the new king of the division.
In an interview with Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports, Poirier said he was “very impressed” with Islam Makhachev’s performance. “He went in there and did it as smooth as you could possibly do it. No marks, no cuts, no bruises, and he’s the world champion,” said Poirier in his interview.
Poirier also mentioned how well-rounded Makhachev was in his title fight. According to “The Diamond” it is not possible to succeed in modern-day mixed martial arts without being skilled in all areas of the sport. “In this day and age, in mixed martial arts, you can’t be a fighter who has one thing. We have to be able to do it all and he showed that” added the lightweight fighter. Poirier also believes Islam is the “highest level” for submitting Oliveira.
Is Dustin Poirier a potential opponent for Islam Makhachev?
Dustin Poirier is currently booked to fight Michael Chandler in an exciting three-round scrap at UFC 281. The two lightweights are former title contenders. Poirier was the former interim champion of the division and has for the undisputed belt twice in his career against, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira.
Poirier is currently the #2 ranked fighter in the UFC lightweight division. A win over Chandler could solidify his position as a possible lightweight contender. However, it won’t be easy to earn a third title shot given how stacked the 155-pound division is. The up-and-coming fighters are absolute monsters and Poirier seems to have understood that he’s at the end of his career.
Also read: “It’s a crazy game”- Dustin Poirier expresses desperation to return to the octagon
Following his loss against Charles Oliveira, Poirier admitted it was going to be tough for him to fight for the title again. “The Diamond” wants to focus more on having “fun” fights until his love for the sport dies out. Do you think Dustin Poirier deserves a title shot if he beats #5 ranked Michael Chandler?
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Prateek Athanur
(2958 Articles Published)