Arman Tsarukyan isn’t going to ignore Dustin Poirier as he takes on Islam Makhachev at UFC 302.
Poirier will challenge Makhachev for the lightweight title in the main event of UFC 302 on June 1 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Poirier lost by submission in a title shot to Makhachev’s teammate and mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, at UFC 242 in 2019. Given the similar styles between the Dagestan natives, Poirier will be underdogs at UFC 302.
It can also be said that Makhachev has developed better batting skills than Nurmagomedov over the past few years. Makhachev said his teammate, Bellator MMA lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, has better striking than Poirier. Either way, Tsarukyan believes that facing Poirier would be a dangerous match for Makhachev. Tsarukyan expects Makhachev to successfully execute the game plan he clearly has against Poirier, but the Armenian-Russian could also bet on “the diamond.”
“I think Islam is going to try to push him against the cage, take him down, pin him down and make him submit, but if he can’t do that, it’s dangerous. If he wants to box, I think Dustin Poirier is on another level — his punches, his speed, he can knock him out very quickly,” Tsarukyan told New York Post Sports. “So, I’m the favorite in this fight, but I would put money on Dustin Poirier getting the knockout, it’s possible.”
Tsarukyan originally earned a shot at the title with a split decision win over Charles Oliveira in the title eliminator at UFC 300 last month. However, as Makhachev was adamant about fighting this summer, he declined the offer due to a quick turnaround. Already suffering a defeat against Makhachev in his surprise UFC debut in 2019, ‘Ahal Karakets’ wants to get his entire camp in order for the rematch.
