Arman Tsarukyan doesn’t think Dustin Poirier is the type of opponent Islam Makhachev should strive to outbox. As his fellow ATT teammate, Tsarukyan is well aware of Poirier’s advantages. He recently advised Makhachev not to give the ‘Diamond’ any opportunity in the early stages of the upcoming fight.
During the latest interview with the New York Post Sports, Tsarukyan revealed that Dustin Poirier‘s speed and power will be too overwhelming for Islam Makhachev. According to the top lightweight, the champion should try to takedown Poirier as fast as possible in the title fight.
If he wants to box. I think Dustin Poirier in a different level, like his punch, his speed. He can knock him [Islam] very fast. So, that’s why Islam gotta try to take him down right away.
Arman Tsarukyan via New York Post Sports
The lightweight fight is scheduled to take place at UFC 302 and according to many experts, this might be Dustin Poirier’s last shot at the UFC gold. The Louisiana native is well aware of that and is ready to give his best against Makhachev. According to Poirier, he is planning to knock out the Dagestani and win the championship.
On the other hand, Islam Makhachev is quite confident about his preparation and looking forward to continuing his title reign. Like Tsarukyan, many others have also questioned Makhachev’s striking in the past. However, the Dagestani has proved his doubters wrong multiple times.
UFC legend breaks down Islam Makhachev’s devastating leg kick against Alexander Volkanovski
Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight title for the second time against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. Unlike the previous fight between the pair, this time Makhachev made easy work of the Aussie. The lightweight champion shocked the world and dropped Volkanovski in the very first round via a nasty head kick.
Stephen Thompson talks about Islam Makhachev’s masterclass at UFC 294 (via Imago/YouTube)After the fight, many experts including MMA veteran Stephen Thompson gave their analysis of the bout. ‘Wonderboy’ went into detail and explained why the head kick option was always available for the champion.
We’re gonna talk about why this head-kick was there all day long! Islam Makhachev was constantly going to the body during this fight. Those hand start to drop down lower to the body cause they’re worried about that body kick.
Stephen Thompson via his YouTube channel
Other than Volkanovski, Makhachev was also able to drop Charles Oliveira which led him to submit the Brazilian at UFC 280. It’s safe to say that Makhachev has one of the best striking in the lightweight division. However, will it be enough to go toe to toe against Dustin Poirier? Only time will tell the answer to the much-awaited question.
!
