Dustin Poirier faced prime Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 and ended up losing the fight via submission. Makhachev initially pieced up Poirier on the feet and then squeezed the challenger to unconsciousness in the last round. While the power was too much for the ‘Diamond’, Joe Rogan had always warned fans about Makhachev’s incredible squeeze.Â
Dustin Poirier finally opened up about his loss in a recent interview at The MMA Hour Show. During the conversation, he was asked to compare Islam Makhachev to Khabib Nurmagomedov given that he has fought both in his career. While talking about it, Poirier stressed about Makhachev’s inhuman squeezing power which made him helpless in the last round.
Takedowns are little different. He does a lot of upper body stuff. He tried to clinch up with me, Khabib would shoot lower shots…. Islam’s squeeze was incredible. That torque he got in that D’arce choke and it was like a vice grip.Â
Dustin Poirier via The MMA Hour ShowÂ
Joe Rogan has extensively highlighted Islam Makhachev’s dominance and excellent squeezing technique on his podcasts. While discussing Makhachev’s victory over Charles Oliveira, Rogan emphasized Makhachev’s tremendous squeeze, which he has used to submit several tough opponents.
Previously, many other opponents have emphasized Makhachev’s incredible power. Bobby Green, who lost against the Dagestani, even accused him of steroid misuse. Similarly, UFC CEO, Dana White was also surprised to witness Makhachev’s strength.Â
Dana White gets flabbergasted by Islam Makhachev’s incredible squeezeÂ
Islam Makhachev has a total of 12 submission victories in his professional career, many of which came in the UFC. Makhachev submitted some of the best in the history division including fighters such as Charles Oliveira, Dan Hooker, Dustin Poirier, Drew Dober, etc.Â
Dana White talks about Islam Makhachev’s squeezing submission (via X/Imago)Particularly against Dober, Makhachev’s triangle submission was outrageous, and even Dana White couldn’t believe it.
When he was squeezing his neck and he had him in that. It was muscles popping out like the back oh his f****** neck and shoulder that I have never seen before. I didn’t know it existed.
Dana White via UFC 259 post-fight press conferenceÂ
When asked about his power, Islam Makhachev has always credited his intense training and mountain lifestyle for it. Even after his latest victory, the pound-for-pound number one was not satisfied and had some big plans. It will be interesting to see how long the Dagestani can maintain his undisputed reign as the lightweight champion.
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