According to his coach, Islam
Makhachev’s skills have reached their zenith.
Makhachev’s striking coach, Magomedgadzhi Bagandov, believes the
champ can outstrike Dustin
Poirier (30-8, 1 NC). Makhachev (25-1) is slated to defend his
lightweight strap against Poirier in the main event at
UFC 302 on June 1 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New
Jersey. With Poirier’s notoriety for emerging victorious in lethal
slugfests and Makhachev’s Dagestani grappling background, taking
the fight to the ground would be the obvious gameplan for the
champion.
Makhachev’s camp has been highlighting the recent developments of
their pupil’s striking skillset. Makhachev recently claimed that
his teammate, Bellator MMA lightweight champ Usman
Nurmagomedov, has better striking than Poirier. Coach Bagandov
claims that Makhachev can not only hold his own in the stand-up
against Poirier, but he may even have the advantage on the feet
against “The Diamond.”
“I have been following Poirier for a long time,” Bagandov said on
Khabib
Nurmagomedov’s YouTube
channel. “In terms of striking technique, he has a unique
fighting style. Islam doesn’t just hold his own against him; if he
doesn’t engage recklessly, Islam surpasses him… Even if you put
wrestling aside, in my opinion, Islam can outbox him in pure boxing
and in muay thai. There are no aspects in which Islam lags
behind.”
Makhachev has shown significant development in his striking over
the years, going toe-to-toe against the likes of Charles
Oliveira and Alexander
Volkanovski, even knocking “The Great” out with a head kick in
his last outing. Meanwhile, Poirier recently reminded us of his
lights-out stand-up game with a second-round knockout win over
French finishing machine Benoit St.
Denis in March.