Dustin Poirier, Islam Makhachev and UFC
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For the first time since giving up UFC lightweight gold, Islam Makhachev speaks at length about his move to welterweight and why it's happening now.
💎💪 Islam Makhachev says Dustin Poirier is "My guy" and he will be rooting for him this Saturday. "Don't let Holloway to dictate the pace. He's one of the best once he finds his distance." 🎥 Okko MMA pic.twitter.com/RlrLv9FNf4
Former UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has the perfect battleground to begin his welterweight campaign. Makhachev, who vacated the 155-pound title in preparation to hunt welterweight champ Jack Della Maddalena, plans to win his second title this year.
Joe Rogan is urging the UFC to book Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria. In Saturday's UFC 317 main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) knocked out Charles Oliveira (35-11 MMA,
Standing in Makhachev's pursuit of a second UFC belt is Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC), who outstruck Belal Muhammad to claim the welterweight title at UFC 315 last month. Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) acknowledges the Aussie has shown vast improvements in his game.
UFC veteran warns Islam Makhachev could be making a risky gamble by moving to 170, questioning the timing and strategy.