Dustin Poirier finally reveals his true pick in the long-running Islam Makhachev vs. Khabib debate

Dustin Poirier finally reveals his true pick in the long-running Islam Makhachev vs. Khabib debate (Image Via Getty) Dustin Poirier finally spoke in a clear and simple way about the long debate between Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov. He answered the question at the UFC 322 fan Q&A held this week, and fans were excited because he is one of the few fighters who stepped into the cage with both of them.Dustin Poirier did not try to make things complicated. He told the crowd he thinks Islam Makhachev is better on the feet, but he feels Khabib Nurmagomedov is stronger when it comes to grappling. His answer was short, open, and honest, and the fans reacted right away.

Dustin Poirier breaks down the differences between Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov

At the UFC 322 Q&A, Dustin Poirier said, “That’s a tough one, bro. I think Islam is a better complete fighter. He is better on the feet. But grappling, I think Khabib is better than Islam.” His reply felt real because he was speaking from direct experience with both men. Dustin Poirier first fought Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi in 2019. In that fight, Poirier almost locked in a strong guillotine choke in round three. Khabib escaped and later won by submission, but Poirier’s moment was one of the closest traps Khabib had ever been in.Years later, Poirier fought Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey. Many of the viewers thought the battle was deadlocked 2–2 heading into the final round. Islam Makhachev finished the fight in round five with a tight choke. Poirier needed to tap. In an interview with Ariel Helwani following UFC 302, Dustin Poirier elaborated on the two winners. He added that even if both men had trained under Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, their wrestling felt different in a real match. Poirier said Islam Makhachev uses more upper-body clinch work, while Khabib Nurmagomedov shoots lower for takedowns and feels physically stronger. Also Read: Who Is Cedric Irving Jr? Oakland Police Name The Suspect As Laney College Mourns John Beam’s DeathHe said Islam’s squeeze in the D’Arce choke felt like a “vice grip,” something he had never felt before. Following his UFC 318 in New Orleans, Louisiana, battle with Max Holloway, Dustin Poirier withdrew. Fans inquire about the two champions even after he retired because he fought both at their height and gave each of them difficult events. Islam Makhachev will battle Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 this weekend. While enthusiasts in the U.K. may view the action on TNT Sports, those in the U.S. may do so on ESPN+ pay-per-view.