Islam Makhachev has not fought a fighter like Dustin Poirier before in his UFC career. With a sound boxing style, offensively and defensively, Poirier has come out of several wars in the octagon victorious. It seems Makhachev appreciates his upcoming opponent’s skill set.
Makhachev was recently on the Daniel Cormier Check-In show. During the interview, he admitted Poirier would be a dangerous fighter if he fought him in the boxing range. Moreover, he stated what he thought about where Poirier’s boxing skills stack among other fighters in the UFC.
Somebody says Max Holloway has the best boxing in his game, but Dustin [Poirier] beat him, and I believe he has the best boxing.
Islam Makhachev vid Daniel Cormier Check-In show
Makhachev also praised Poirier’s right hook and left straight as impressive weapons of the American fighter. Nonetheless, Makhachev stated MMA was not boxing and was a better all-around fighter than Poirier, who has struggled against wrestlers/grapplers.
One of Makhachev’s coaches has stated that the Russian has better striking prowess than Poirier. However, Makhachev won’t likely stand and trade shots with Poirier, particularly as Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, and others suffered knockout losses when they did.
Dustin Poirier’s pick for best boxer in the UFC
It’s difficult to say who the best boxer in the UFC is as it is MMA and not a single sport. However, fight fans consider Max Holloway, Dustin Poirier, or Conor McGregor as the best. All three have fought each other, but Poirier is 2-0 and 2-1 against Holloway and McGregor, respectively.
Dustin Poirier’s pick for best UFC boxer (Image via: IMAGO, Instagram)As such, “The Diamond” has the better claim. However, Poirier does not consider himself the best boxer in the UFC. He had revealed his pick for the best boxer in the UFC during his appearance on the now-defunct Punchin’ In podcast of American Top Team owner Dan Lambert.
People talk about the best boxing in MMA. Dude, Petr Yan, I think he’s up there, and he might be the guy.
Dustin Poirier via Punchin’ In
Poirier stated he likes to watch Petr Yan fight because he is violent, technical, and fun at the same time. Yan had trained at ATT, and Poirier had watched the Russian train. Yan has impressive striking skills but was recently on a three-fight losing streak, which he snapped with a victory over Song Yadong at UFC 299.
Poirier also fought at UFC 299, knocking out Benoit Saint-Denis via a right hook in the co-main event. His slick boxing was on display against the Frenchman. On the other hand, Yan had to resort to wrestling to defeat the Chinaman as he had injured his knee.
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