Can Dustin Poirier Get it Done Against Islam Makhachev?
(via UFC.com)
In the leadup to this fight week, American MMA fans left and right have been showing their support for former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion, Dustin Poirier. However, his opponent, Islam Makhachev is currently the pound for pound best fighter in the world, and is a huge -625 favorite in this matchup. So many are wondering if Poirier even has a shot at winning the undisputed title at all.
On paper, Makhachev is the far more complete fighter. showcasing the highest level grappling in the division, a level so high it is akin to the level of his cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is considered to be the best grappler in lightweight history. He also possesses very high level kickboxing, which he used to great effect in his last fight against Alexander Volkanovski, winning via head kick in the first round.
Despite this, Poirier has shared the Octagon with Nurmagomedov, and some believe that this experience will give Poirier a better idea as to what he needs to do to stay out of danger.
A meme surfaced after Poirier’s previous win against Benoit Saint-Denis, which had to do with Poirier going for guillotine chokes.
This was initially taken in jest, and was a comedic jab at Poirier’s love of the choke. There is a greater meaning within this meme for MMA historians, though. In Poirier’s fight against Nurmagomedov, he attempted a guillotine choke, which Nurmagomedov admitted that it was quite effective.
Poirier, ultimately, should ultimately avoid the choke entirely and entice Makhachev into a striking battle. If this does not happen, it is very likely that Poirier will take a loss in this fight. However, if he does jump guillotine, and submits him, this may be one of the most incredible upsets in UFC history.
Can Poirier get it done? Yes. Is it likely? No. Regardless of any odds, perceptive differences, Dustin Poirier is the very best UFC fighter to never win a title, and now he has another opportunity to capture the title he has looked for his entire career.
