Dustin Poirier is intrigued by a possible showdown between UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria and light-weight kingpin Islam Makhachev.
The 145-pound titleholder has expressed curiosity in shifting as much as problem Makhachev, who’s presently ranked because the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.
Poirier is torn on who he believes would win the combat. “The Diamond,” coming off a fifth-round submission loss to Makhachev at UFC 302, questions whether or not the Spaniard has the mandatory dimension to counter the Dagestani’s grappling.
“He positively does have a shot,” Poirier advised Sports activities Illustrated relating to Topuria vs. Makhachev. “I feel from ’45 to 170, Topuria has the facility and the talents to knock anyone out. His timing, his rhythm, his energy is unimaginable, however the dimension distinction is with Islam’s wrestling.
“I’ve by no means seen Topuria in particular person. Clearly, I fought Islam; he’s an enormous man. Islam can’t make ’45. I do know they are saying Topuria may stroll round 190 (kilos) outdoors of fights and stuff, however I simply assume Islam is simply an excessive amount of. However I don’t know. Like I stated, if Ilia does join, he can put anyone out.”
Dustin Poirier assessed Ilia Topuria's possibilities in opposition to Makhachev:"If Topuria does join, he can put anyone out."
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Topuria’s most up-to-date victory was a knockout of Max Holloway at UFC 308, which noticed him efficiently defend the featherweight title.
In the meantime, Makhachev is contemporary off a swift submission win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311. This victory marked his fourth profitable title protection, setting a brand new file for probably the most in UFC light-weight historical past.
