Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev had one of the best lightweight title fights in the main event of UFC 302. Poirier showed impressive defensive wrestling and grappling throughout the fight. However, Makhachev finished the fight in the fifth round, garnering praise from many, including Robert Whittaker.
Nonetheless, Whittaker felt Poirier was dangerous throughout the fight, particularly during the standup. However, he thought Makhachev was 4-0 going up to the fifth. Nevertheless, what impressed Whittaker the most was how Makhachev finished the fight using a certain wrestling maneuver.
To seal the deal, to wrap up the fight, [Islam] Makhachev did get the D’arce. He did close the show, and the way he did it—that transition, that single leg failed, re-shot to a low single, to that drag out—mate, it was textbook…That’s straight-up text-book wrestling…
Robert Whittaker via MMAarcade
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_vGA3zudFk
Whittaker stated it was not a maneuver common in MMA wrestling, but amateur wrestlers frequently used it. Makhachev’s striking also impressed Whittaker as the champion outstruck the challenger in the main event title fight at UFC 302.
Makhachev had to dig deep against Poirier as the challenger defended his normal takedown maneuvers. Moreover, Poirier also used impressive body shots throughout the fight. With his current performance, Whittaker felt Arman Tsarukyan wouldn’t win the rematch with Makhachev.
Robert Whittaker had predicted Dustin Poirier’s danger factor
Islam Makhachev was a huge betting favorite over Dustin Poirier, even though the fight proved otherwise. Everybody wanted Poirier to win the title and have a story-tale ending. However, all knew it was a tall task for Poirier.
Robert Whittaker speaks on Dustin Poirier (Image via: IMAGO)However, Robert Whittaker didn’t count our Poirier when he previewed the fight. Whittaker favored Makhahchev to retain the title but stated Poirier had a danger factor, citing Poirier’s recent victory over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299.
[Dustin] Poirier is dangerous. I think he is such a dangerous fight for people just because he’s always in it, and it doesn’t matter if it’s in the first second of the first round or the last second of the fifth. He could knock you out, and he has a really good way of throwing those awkward angles in tight in the pocket and just landing solid shots and just switching you off.
Robert Whittaker via MMAarcade
Poirier has flirted with retirement after the loss. However, he did not clarify whether it was the end. With Alexander Volkanovski calling out Poirier for a showdown later this year, he might stay for a couple more fights before he calls it a career.
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