Islam Makhachev is aware of he wasn’t at his greatest in opposition to Dustin Poirier, however he nonetheless loves that combat.
Final June, Makhachev defended his light-weight title for the third time, going through former interim champion Dustin Poirier in the principle occasion of UFC 302. Makhachev was overwhelmingly favored to win, nevertheless it ended up being some of the tough of his profession as Poirier defended takedowns and opened up a nasty minimize on Makhachev’s brow. In the long run, Makhachev did win, submitting Poirier with a brabo choke within the fifth spherical, however the prime pound-for-pound fighter within the sport was pushed to his restrict. So, although he says it wasn’t his greatest efficiency, Makhachev remains to be fairly keen on this battle.
“Final time, I used to be combat with Poirier, he ready for this combat very properly,” Makhachev informed Demetrious Johnson. “He did good homework, I believe. He defended my wrestling, defended my — I did lots of errors. I did a kimura and after I closed [it] I believe it’s completed, however I did a mistake a pair occasions.
“And he gave me [big cut]. However after I watch the highlights, I like this combat. … In the event you ask me which combat I need to watch once more, I say with Poirier. I watch this combat many occasions and I take pleasure in. I do know what I did incorrect, what I did proper, what I’ve to vary.”
Makhachev’s victory tied him with B.J. Penn, Frankie Edgar, Benson Henderson, and Khabib Nurmagomedov for many title defenses by a UFC light-weight champion. Now, Makhachev has the chance to set a brand new document when he defends his title in opposition to Arman Tsarukyan in the principle occasion of UFC 311 later this month. The 2 beforehand met in Tsarukyan’s UFC debut in 2019, however although he’s already crushed him, Makhachev isn’t overlooking the problem Tsarukyan presents.
“After I fought with him first time, actually, perhaps I underestimated him,” Makhachev stated. “… They had been on the lookout for an opponent. One month earlier than they name me, we’ll signal this man, he has good document, he’ll be your subsequent opponent. In my thoughts, I assumed, ‘Who’s going to come back from [outside] the UFC and provides me some issues?’ I didn’t watch his combating.
“He got here and we had an excellent combat. I received all three rounds, however proper now, he’s improved rather a lot. He has extra expertise in UFC, rather a lot fights in UFC, however should you ask me, I’m [honest]. I see his type, I see his abilities. I don’t see one thing that makes me shocked. He has good wrestling, I’ve identical, I’ve higher than him. He has putting, I’ve higher than him. He has grappling, I do know my grappling is best. However this time, it’s not going to be straightforward match, for certain. He’s No. 1 proper now. He’s a man who makes me work arduous as a result of he’s an actual contender.”
UFC 311 takes place on Jan. 18 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif.
