At UFC 302, Dustin Poirier will be the first fighter to fight both Khabib Nurmagomedov and his protege Islam Makhachev in the UFC. While many fans and experts consider their fighting style to be similar, longtime coach Javier Mendez thinks otherwise.
In a recent interview with Hablemos MMA, Mendez revealed that Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are different fighters. According to Mendez, Makhachev will create different problems in comparison to Nurmagomedov for Dustin Poirier.
No, this is going to be a lot different because Islam is not Khabib. They’re two different fighters… That’s the difference between Islam and Khabib. Khabib’s No. 1 thing was wrestling, but Islam can do whatever he wants
Javier Mendez via Hablemos MMA YouTube
Makhachev has shown from time to time why he’s much more than a grappler. In his title fight against Charles Oliveira, he dropped the Brazilian and then went to submit him. Similarly, during the rematch against Alexander Volkanovski, the fighter shocked everyone by getting a TKO finish with a leg kick at UFC 294. It’s evident that Makhachev has more tools in the arsenal than Khabib Nurmagomedov.
However, striking against Poirier might not be the best idea for Makhachev as suggested by top lightweight, Arman Tsarukyan. In the past, Poirier failed to get the title and was submitted by Nurmagomedov. Despite their rivalry, the ‘Diamond’ still has a lot of respect for the Hall of Famer.
Dustin Poirier considers former opponent Khabib the best in the history
Khabib Nurmagomedov was known for his wrestling-heavy approach and used to take opponents into ‘deep waters’. While many fans criticized the greatness of the ‘Eagle’ by calling his style boring. Dustin Poirier doesn’t think the same.
Dustin Poirier reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov’s incredible style (via X/YouTube)
According to Poirier, Nurmagomedov was a different beast and was technically unmatched in his ground game. Poirier claimed that Nurmagomedov is the best fighter he has ever seen or fought.
I’ve never felt anything like it and you know I have 46 fights. I’ve fought all kinds of different people…This guy is good. His understanding of his weight distribution, where my weight needs to be to keep me up, to build back up and his understanding of grappling is impressive. The best I’ve ever felt, the best I’ve ever seen.
Dustin Poirier via Valuentertainment YouTube
Over the years, Dustin Poirier has developed his skills and has fought a variety of opponents. However, the fighter still lacks that championship status. Ahead of UFC 302, Poirier has mentioned retirement from the sport. As a result, this might be his last shot at the UFC gold and Islam Makhachev stands in front of him.
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