UFC

Analyzing Makhachev vs Poirier: What are the keys to victory?

Publicerat

29 maj 2024

UFC 302 Makhachev vs Poirier Frontkick.online

Makhachev vs Poirier. Phto via Twitter and YouTube

The upcoming lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier is one of the most anticipated bouts of the summer.

Let’s take a closer look at three factors that will play a big part in the fight!

Experience

When you compare the record of Dustin Poirier to Islam Makhachev, Poirier’s record outshines Islam’s in every aspect. Experience wise, the American 35-year-old probably has the most stacked resume in UFC history.

Conor McGregor three times. Justin Gaethje twice, Max Holloway twice, Eddie Alvarez, Anthony Pettis, Charles Oliveir, Khabib Nurmagomedov – the list of UFC title holders he clashed with is nothing but amazing.

He also fought the likes of Cub Swanson, Bobby Green, Michael Chandler, Jim Miller, Dan Hooker, Michael Johnson, and Benoit Saint Denis!

Makhachev, on the other hand, fought very good opponents, but not in the same caliber as Poirier.

Arman Tsarukyan, Drew Dober, Dan Hooker, Bobby Green, Charles Oliveira and two fights against Alexander Volkanovski is by no means a bad resume at all, but it can’t be compared to his opponent’s.

Poirier’s experience could play a big factor going into the later rounds, as he’s been fighting top guys for five rounds over and over again.

Pressure

In terms of legacy, Saturday’s fight is very important for Makhachev. He brings a 13-fight winning streak into the octagon. Only Kamaru Usman (15 straight wins) and Anderson Silva (16 straight wins) have ever crossed the 13-win threshold.

Putting his name to the list would be big for Makhachev.

Adding to the pressure is also the fact that four fighters currently share the record for most consecutive title defenses in the lightweight division. With a win on Saturday, he will be the fifth fighter to defend the strap three times.

For Poirier, it’s undeniably his last chance to ever lay his hands on a UFC title. The 35-year-old already lost two undisputed title fights, and already hinted at a retirement after UFC 302.

With that said, I think the pressure is more on Makhachev than Poirier on Saturday. The American can go out on top, losing a title fight to arguably the best fighter in the sport currently, or he can beat the odds and finally capture the belt. Either outcome doesn’t look too bad for Poirier to be honest.

Fight style

Islam Makhachev is known to play it safe and will most likely try to be on kicking range against a skilled boxer and counterpuncher like Dustin Poirier. The Dagestani is the better and stronger wrestler, so the key will be to close the distance and get Poirier to the ground, to eventually find a submission or a finish via ground-and-pound.

I think Poirier’s best chance is to trick Makhachev into boxing range and hit with his exeptionally well-timed counter punches. The fact that it’s matchup between two southpaws could actually play out in his favor. Makhachev is more used to face orthodox fighters and could therefore have a habit of slipping towards the powerhand of a southpaw. If that southpaw is a great boxer like Poirier, it could mean trouble.