What did Poirier say when comparing Khabib and Islam Makhachev?
‘The Diamond’, recently defeated by the Dagestani fighter in their lightweight title fight, compared Islam’s skills with Khabib’s.
Dustin Poirier was close, but he didn’t make it. The charismatic mixed martial artist lost a highly-contested title fight to Islam Makhachev in a battle where The Diamond tried to become a UFC champion.
The Louisiana native had already fought Makhachev’s friend and teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2019 and tasted defeat against The Eagle.
After fighting Khabib, many believed Poirier could have a real shot at pulling off the upset against the current lightweight champion, as both Russian fighters have a similar fighting style. However, Makhachev surprised Poirier with his movement and submission ability.
After losing what seemingly was his last chance of becoming the champion after his previous two failed attempts against Charles Oliveira and Nurmagomedov, the American mixed martial artist is considering retirement, although he hasn’t officially taken any decision yet.
The Khabib-Makhachev comparison: what did Poirier say?
Poirier admitted Makhachev was what he expected on The MMA Hour show hosted by MMA journalist Ariel Helwani.
The 35-year-old, who got submitted in the fifth round of his war against the Dagestani, was impressed by the champion’s skillset.
“These styles of fights are the toughest for me; guys who are gonna chain wrestle and keep the fight slower. But he (Makhachev) was everything I thought he was going to be. He’s the champ. I knew he was tough. I knew he was going to be strong. I knew he had grit. You don’t get in the position he’s in by not having all of those things”, he explained.
Asked about Khabib and Islam’s styles, Poirier pointed out what makes both fighters a little different:
“Takedowns are different (between Khabib and Makhachev). Pressure is similar. Takedowns are different, he (Makhachev) does a lot of upper-body stuff. He kept trying to clinch up with me. Khabib would shoot lower shots”.
“I think Khabib is stronger, physically stronger, (but) Islam’s squeeze was incredible. All these guys are strong but it wasn’t overwhelming, but his squeeze (on the D’arce choke)... It was like a vise grip”, he concluded.
While Poirier has to decide whether to fight or retire, Makhachev is expected to defend his belt against the talented Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch battle.