Islam Makhachev believes teammate Usman Nurmagomedov is a better striker than his next opponent Dustin Poirier.
Makhachev is scheduled to defend his lightweight title against Poirier in the main event of UFC 302 on June 1st at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Bellator MMA lightweight champion Nurmagomedov is one of Makhachev’s main sparring partners in camp, as he is in the same weight class as Makhachev.
Although Nurmagomedov was unable to join the rest of the team until recently, Makhachev revealed that the undefeated Bellator champion gave him solid rounds as soon as they sparred. The reigning lightweight champion praised his teammate, even calling him a better striker than Poirier.
“Usman, to be honest, he always plays good rounds,” Makhachev said on the “Weighing In” podcast. “He got sick and just came back two days ago. We [rest of the team] I’ve been here for a week. As soon as he feels better, he comes to support me. And today he gave me two good rounds. I think this guy is a better hitter than Dustin. He gave me a good time with his hitting because he’s really good at his kick, his arm, his hitting to be honest.And when you spar with high level fighters, they call it [iron sharpens iron]”
Dagestan’s exports are known for their overwhelming grappling skills, but many have showcased elite striking skill sets over the years, including both Makhachev and Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov has won eight of his 17 career wins by KO/TKO, with the majority coming via ground and pound. Nurmagomedov recently missed his scheduled title defense against Alexander Chablis on May 17 at Bellator Paris due to an undisclosed injury. The match was supposed to be his return from a six-month suspension for failing a drug test. As a result, his last title defense against Brent Primus was overturned to a no contest.
Makhachev also displayed exceptional striking, defeating Charles Oliveira to win the title via submission and knocking out Alexander Volkanovski with a head kick.
Poirier, on the other hand, is known as one of the deadliest strikers in the UFC lightweight division, with 15 of his 30 career wins coming by KO/TKO. “The Diamond” surpassed famous strikers such as Justin Gaethje, Dan Hooker, Anthony Pettis, Max Holloway, and Conor McGregor.
