Islam Makhachev has a lot on his plate heading into his fight with Dustin Poirier this weekend. If he makes a successful defense at UFC 302, the Dagestani fighter would tie in for a longstanding record in the weight class. However, UFC legend Michael Bisping thinks Dustin Poirier’s record remains far and away the better one compared to Makhachev.
Ever since his big transition from WEC in 2010, the Louisiana native has made a splash. The UFC veteran does not hesitate to go blow-for-blow, even with younger aspirants. It is what fans witnessed when Poirier flipped the script at UFC 299. Hence, Michael Bisping believes he’s amassed a stronger resume than the titleholder.
When you look at the record of Dustin Poirier, …Dustin’s record smokes Islam’s…sounds like I’m being disrespectful to Islam…but when you look at Islam, yeah, fought Bobby Green…then it was for the belt against [Charles] Oliveira. Twice against Volkanovski…[Porier fought] Max Holloway multiple times. Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, Anthony Pettis, …McGregor, Jim Miller, Dan Hooker, Oliveira, Chandler, Gaethje again, Benoit Saint-Denis. In terms of experience, he’s fought the tougher guys.
Michael Bisping via the “Believe You Me” Podcast (@bispingpodcast)
Islam Makhachev snagged his 155-pound title against Charles Oliveira in 2022. After that, his two defenses came against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Former champions BJ Penn, Frankie Edgar, and Benson Henderson all boast triple defenses.
Concurrently, so does Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who hung up after equalling the stat at UFC 254. As such, Makhachev’s greatest achievement takes shape if he defeats Poirier and takes his spot among the legends in terms of title defenses.
When Poirier fights at UFC 302, he’d have faced all major titleholders in the past decade, barring one. Anthony Pettis, Conor McGregor, Eddie Alvarez; all except Rafael dos Anjos. He has even faced Khabib and ‘Do Bronx’. After two failed bids, many believe it’s his final chance to capture an undisputed UFC title strap. However, Bisping says that going in, ‘Diamond’ already shines brighter than Makhachev’s triple defense possibilities.
Michael Bisping thinks Dustin Poirier’s third bid at title shot will have deeper implications
At the top of the bill of UFC’s next pay-per-view event, Dustin Poirier challenges Islam Makhachev for the title gold. UFC 302’s feature main event marks what could possibly be his last attempt at the hardware. While not at the tail-end of his career, the 35-year-old lightweight wants to be there more for his family than chase pro-fighting glories. His pre-fight retirement talks have remained a magnet for disarray and discomfort for a few fans and analysts.
Dustin Poirier’s run might extend beyond UFC 302, says Michael Bisping (Source: the-sun.ie/Instagram)However, with what he has already achieved as a perennial top runner, Michael Bisping lauds his standing. Subsequently, he thinks that if Poirier wins, he will attune himself to the aftermath.
I think if he wins, he’s gonna defend that belt…I mean, I had the eye issue. [My wife] Rebecca said, ‘Right, okay, …got your title fight, are you gonna retire win or lose?’ I’m like, ‘Babe, if I lose, I’ll retire. If I win, you’re out of your goddamn mind! We’re getting the big bucks’…I think we’ll see him [Poirier] stick around. If he loses then that will be a great time and the perfect send-off…It would be emotional because Dustin’s given the sport so much.
Michael Bisping via the “Believe You Me” Podcast (@bispingpodcast)
Bisping was in a similar bind; as a staple Top 10 contender, he did not capitulate to it. ‘The Count’ made good on his resolve against then-rival Luke Rockhold. He did successfully notch his first career title shot, albeit after quite a while.
Likewise, the American Top Team standout will challenge UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev with much at stake. Whether he can do what Bisping did is entirely circumstantial. But should he win, Bisping thinks Dustin Poirier would build on his legacy further.
