Islam Makhachev names Dustin Poirier bout favorite of career

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev says his submission victory over Dustin Poirier stands as the most enjoyable fight of his career.

Makhachev told Red Corner MMA in a recent interview that the June 2024 title defense at UFC 302 felt different from his other championship bouts. "The fight I keep rewatching is the Poirier fight. We fought like it was a street fight," he said, per Sherdog. "And I managed to finish him. I really enjoyed that fight."

Why the Poirier fight stood out for Makhachev

The Newark bout saw Makhachev extend his winning streak to 14 with a fifth-round D'Arce choke after Poirier had mounted sustained offense through the middle rounds. The back-and-forth nature of the contest marked a departure from Makhachev's typically dominant performances, with multiple scrambles and position changes creating the street-fight atmosphere the champion referenced.

Makhachev has defended the 155-pound title four times since claiming it from Charles Oliveira in October 2022. His next defense is expected later in 2025, though the UFC has not announced an opponent or date.

Source: sherdog.com