Dustin Poirier will face a formidable opponent when he steps into the octagon against Islam Makhachev. Poirier has got some serious power in his hands. Interestingly, some fighters have picked Poirier to emerge victorious. However, former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira has a different prediction.
Oliveira acknowledged Poirier’s striking prowess in a recent interview. The Brazilian superstar, however, believed that Makhachev’s grappling acumen would prove decisive. He believed that Islam Makhachev’s ground game would surpass any striker put in front of him.
Every striker that faces Islam is going to be the same thing, [Makhachev] will take you down and have bigger chances at winning…Dustin Poirier has shown that in his last fight, he’s shown that many times already. He has heavy hands and hits hard, so he definitely can knock him out, but I think Islam remains as champion.
Charles Oliveira via MMA Fighting
Oliveira, who holds a submission victory over Poirier, didn’t mince any words when talking about this. He, however, felt that any moment in MMA could create an upset. Oiliviera predicted that Islam Makhachev would win but also kept it open that a single punch could change the tide of the fight.
Charles Oliveira believes Islam Makhachev will defeat Dustin Poirier at #UFC302:
“Every striker that faces Islam is going to be the same thing, [Islam] will take you down and have bigger chances at winning…
But we’re talking about MMA, and one hand, one strike that lands can… pic.twitter.com/X9jaNzOIEX
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 26, 2024
Dustin Poirier is known for his relentless pressure and durability, and he won’t go down without a fight. But if Oliveira’s prediction holds true, Makhachev’s path to lightweight dominance may continue unabated. Fight fans are in for a treat when it comes to Makhachev vs. Poirier at UFC 302 this weekend.
Charles Oliveira gives his take on Arman Tsarukyan vs. Islam Makhachev
When it comes to the lightweight division’s future, Charles Oliveira has seen it all. The former champion has shared the octagon with both Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev. This gave him a unique perspective on their potential clash.
Charles Oliviera predicts Islam Makhachev to defeat Arman Tsarukyan (via YouTube)Oliveira openly talked about Tsarukyan’s chances against the reigning champion. He felt extremely confident in his prediction of Islam Makhachev dominating Tsarukyan in their rematch. It is safe to say the Brazilian fighter didn’t give any chance to the Armenian fighter.
Arman is a guy that takes you down and holds you there the entire time. No way. It’s not a fight [against Islam Makhahev] he can win.
Charles Oliveira via MMA Fighting
Oliveira’s assessment stems from firsthand experience against both lightweights. Makhachev went for submissions when he faced Oliveira. On the other hand, Tsarukyan controlled Oliveira on the ground during their fight. He narrowly lost a split decision to Tsarukyan’s relentless wrestling at UFC 300. In the end, Oliveira believes Tsarukyan’s strategy won’t work against Makhachev.
