Makhachev vs. Poirier Who will walk out of UFC 302 as the Lightweight Champion of the world?

 By Dustin Schlagel

 

Russian roots: Islam Makhachev was formally coached by Khabib Nurmagomedov, former undefeated 29-0 Lightweight Champion of the UFC. (SportsLumo)

 

NEW JERSEY (April. 23, 2024)  - in the UFC, it’s been proven to be almost impossible to stop Islam Makhachev. At 25-1, the Lightweight Champion of the UFC has earned his number 1 ranking on the pound-for-pound list by beating legends such as Alexander Volkanovski, Charles Olivera, and Dan Hooker. Over his 9-year reign in the UFC, the Dagestan-born Sambo specialist has made a name for himself as one of the best wrestlers in UFC history.

 

 

However, with Dustin Poirier (25-1) being announced as Machachevs next opponent in New Jersey at UFC 302, we could potentially see a new face of the division and the end of a historic reign.

 

Watch Here: Dana White announces the main event for UFC 302 and UFC 303

 

Before UFC 299, the idea of Poirier as the next Lightweight contender was somewhat overlooked. At 35 years old, the Louisiana native and almost 20-year vet has still actively been looking for an opportunity at his first UFC championship. Following his spectacular second-round knockout on 28-year-old French contender Benoit St Denis, Poirier has earned what could be his last opportunity at UFC gold. How will this Lightweight battle end?

 

 

Prediction: Makhachev takes Poirier all five rounds and wins unanimously.

 

 

Going into this fight, Poirier shows to be one of Makhachev’s greatest challenges. With 15 total knockouts over his tenured 19-year career, Porier could arguably be the best striker that Makhachev has ever faced. With that being said, Makhachev has evolved his fighting style to adjust to anybody he fights. He was able to stand and fight for five rounds with one of the greatest strikers of all time Alexander Volkanovski, as well as submitting the all-time submission leader in Charles Oliveira.

 

 

Although Poirier has proven to be a championship-level fighter in the past, the wrestling prowess and overall skill of Makhachev could simply have the longtime UFC veteran outmatched. Prediction: Makhachev wins four of five rounds and walks out of New Jersey the reigning Lightweight Champion.