Islam Makhachev is the reigning UFC lightweight champion. He recently raised some concerns about the promotion’s newly unveiled gloves. These gloves feature a golden design for championship bouts. They are set to debut at Makhachev’s upcoming title defense against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302.
The new gloves aim to address the issue of eye pokes and improve overall functionality. Makhachev, however, believed that they might unintentionally cause more harm than good. The Dagestani fighter expressed his reservations about the design.
They [new gloves] are very stiff, as I told you, they will cause more cuts. As the previous gloves were softer, these are stiffer, they don’t let you fully open your hands just to make sure the fingers don’t extend straight forward. But overall, they are pretty much the same.
Islam Makhachev via Sport24
Concerns from Islam Makhachev come from fear that the tougher material may result in more cuts from striking. Sometimes, solutions can create new problems even when they are meant to be helpful. However, these worries may turn out to be baseless. UFC likely has done extensive testing and ensured that the new gloves meet safety standards.
Islam Makhachev says the new UFC gloves will cause more cuts due to being “very stiff”
“The [new gloves] are very stiff. They will cause more cuts, as the previous UFC gloves were softer. These are stiffer.
They don’t let you fully open your hand just to make sure the fingers… pic.twitter.com/gIfYxvFTWu
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 25, 2024
Makhachev is getting ready for his fight against Dustin Poirier, one of the most dangerous strikers in the lightweight division. The thing he knows for sure is that he will have to adjust himself to using different gloves while defending his title. Right now, nobody knows whether Makhachev’s assumption about these gloves is correct or not.
Islam Makhachev’s coach has a warning for him before facing Dustin Poirier
Islam Makhachev is headed for his third title defense on June 1st. His striking coach, Magomedgadzhi Bagandov, has a word of caution for the lightweight champion ahead of his title defense against Dustin Poirier. He wants him not to lose his calm and get reckless.
Islam Makhachev was warned by his striking coach (via Sports Illustrated/ MMA Fighting)Makhachev’s impressive knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski showcased his striking abilities. Bagandov, however, understood that striking is not the Dagestani’s primary skillset. Reckless engagement against a seasoned striker like Poirier could spell trouble.
In terms of striking technique, he [Dustin] has a unique fighting style. Islam doesn’t just hold his own against; if he doesn’t engage recklessly, Islam surpasses him.
Magomedgadzhi Bagandov via Khabib Nurmagomedov YouTube
Bagandov’s words echo the cautionary tales of fighters who dared to stand and trade with Poirier only to face the consequences. Michael Chandler, Benoit Saint-Denis, Eddie Alvarez, and Conor McGregor are just a few names on the long list of fighters who learned that lesson the hard way.
