Makhachev vs. Poirier Predictions – ‘Gonna Be Too Good’
Islam Makhachev takes on Dustin Poirier today in their UFC 302 fight in what could be ‘The Diamond’s’ last fight.
Makhachev is seen as the massive favorite, as he enters as the UFC Lightweight Champion. He is looking for the third successful defense of his belt. He won the title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in 2022. Since then, he has secured consecutive wins over Alexander Volkanovski. To prepare himself for Dustin, Islam has gotten the help of Khabib Nurmagomedov. The Eagle has been training Islam and will be in his corner for the fight. Khabib knows what it takes since he has beaten Poirier.
Poirier may very well walk away from the sport after this fight. He has yet to win a world title. Losses to Khabib and Oliveira meant he missed out on the lightweight title. Justin Gaethje also knocked out the Diamond at UFC 291. The defeat prevented him from becoming the BMF Champion. While Poirier hopes to win the belt, his fellow MMA fighters have picked Islam to win.
Pros React
“Islam’s gonna be too good. I think he’s too safe of a fighter to make mistakes where he’s gonna get caught against someone like Dustin Poirier. Dustin Poirier is a great fighter. I just think it’s a hard fight for anybody and I don’t see anyone beating Islam for a while. Unless they catch him, right?” Alexander Volkanovski
“This is a phenomenal fight. We all love Dustin Poirier. The way that he came back and was able to defeat Benoit Saint Denis in the second round after taking an absolute…kicking was so inspirational. It just epitomizes why we all love Dustin Poirier. I don’t think it’s going to be the sendoff that Dustin Poirier’s looking for….On the feet, I give him (Poirier) the edge.
“Of course I do, but it doesn’t matter. This is mixed martial arts and Islam Makhachev will get that takedown. And if he gets the takedown I believe he gets the fight and he gets to defend the belt, and he gets to remain the lightweight champion of the world,” said Bisping. “Islam is just incredible. He’s the pound-for-pound number one on the planet and I believe on Saturday night he’s still going to be the champion,” Michael Bisping
Further Predictions
“This team is infested, make no mistake. Scruff balls. Whatever ya’s are into, I suppose. He still subs Dustin in the first,” Conor McGregor
“Good for Dustin. Dustin’s done it all in this sport. He’s fought Conor twice. The only thing he hasn’t done yet is wear the UFC gold, and he wants to. I’m glad he got his shot. Honestly, I was hoping Gaethje was going to win and Gaethje was going to get the shot, because I thought Gaethje deserved it more, obviously. I always wanted to see Gaethje wear gold. If it wasn’t me, I wanted to see Gaethje wear gold. Do I give [Poirier] a chance? Absolutely. [But] I think Islam’s going to have his number. I think Islam is just better in every area. I think Islam finishes him, honestly,” Michael Chandler
Despite the one-sided nature of the predictions, some MMA fans have picked Poirier.
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