'Never see him finish,' Islam Makhachev CAUGHT lagging in false appreciation of Dustin Poirier’s gilly-prowess

Former interim champ Dustin Poirier, 30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC, was put on the defensive groove early. He fended off numerous clinches and grappling sequences before resorting to his boxing-heavy stance, answering Saint-Denis with his trademark right hook. While aware of his commendable performance, Makhachev has warned he’d put him on his back and finish him if he tried the guillotine on him.

Daniel Cormier knows the combat sambo practitioner loves a good wrestling challenge. However, he also knows the tunes of his mockery. Poirier had also tried a deep clinch guillotine choke on his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, at UFC 242. ‘Eagle’ popped out of it as well as Poirier did not have the leg wrapped around Khabib’s waist, allowing the Dagestani fighter to escape. Hence, Makhachev isn’t worried about the Poirier pursuing title opportunities with explosive chokes.

Benoit Saint-Denis makes his choice between Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev

Reigning 155-pound king Islam Makhachev recently appeared on the Good Guy/Bad Guy Podcast (ESPN2/ESPNPodcenter). Before UFC 302 edges near, he and Dustin Poirier have engaged in social media rounds in the build-up. When ESPN’s weekly show’s other host, Chael Sonnen, asked him about the tactical danger Poirier poses, he lauded his guillotine choke.

However, at Daniel Cormier’s pressing, Makhachev hilariously gave in and said he didn’t respect the failed attempts as much. Despite Makhachev remaining confident of defeating Poirier, Benoit Saint-Denis does think it would be easy. As such, he will not count Poirier out because of experiencing him inside the octagon.

He’s precise, he’s well rounded, he’s composed, He’s able to weather the storm, a lot of experience, tough guy...Nobody can give Poirier no chance at all at winning any fight in the lightweight division... Of course, Makhachev is well-rounded. He will be well prepared. I do know what type of game plan Makhachev is going to have against Poirier... Benoit Saint-Desnis to MMA Junkie’s Farah Hannoun

Poirier closed as an underdog when he knocked out BSD and earned a shot with Islam Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC). The Dagestani sweeps in as a 5-1 favorite at BetMGM for his title defense. However, Saint-Denis trusts Poirier to get it done. Also, Poirier wasn’t the initial choice for Makhachev’s next title defense. He received the call when Arman Tsarukyan declined a short-notice rebound.

The Frenchman doesn’t find it surprising. With questionable calendars/camps and Poirier’s steadfast resolve, he knows Poirier has a decent chance of an upset against Makhachev. If anyone has the skills to match the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, Saint-Denis thinks it’s his rival.