Dustin Porye assesses Islam Makhachov's potential for claiming the middleweight title belt
Let's Talk About a Potential Shake-up
36-year-old UFC veteran Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier recently graced Ariel Helwani's show and dropped some intriguing remarks about a potential opponent swap. In a chat with the host, Poirier speculated on the match-up everyone's been whispering about:
"Imagine a dance between Topuria and Makhachev at International Fight Week. It's a dream battle that surely has every MMA enthusiast drooling."
Poirier went on to add, "After tangoing with the big dogs in the lightweight division, I reckon Islam will set his sights on the welterweight division. He's an impressive, athletically gifted beast with some killer techniques. He could give any welterweight a run for their money, and he might even snag the belt!"
Keep in mind that Poirier is preparing for his swansong fight against Max Holloway, aiming for the BMF title in UFC 318 on July 19. Interestingly, Poirier has already bested Holloway twice.
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There's been quite a stir about Makhachev's potential move to the welterweight division. Although Makhachev hasn't yet dancedin the welterweight ring, his probable shift to 170 pounds has piqued the interest of fighters and analysts. While Dustin's specific comments about Makhachev's prospects at welterweight aren't mentioned in available records, let's delve into the current state of play:
Makhachev's Welterweight Wanderlust
Makhachev, currently reigning UFC lightweight champ, has been daydreaming about moving up to welterweight to claim a second title[3][5]. His trainer, Javier Mendez, thinks Makhachev's natural weight suits the welterweight division like a glove[3].
Views from the Floor
- Mateusz Gamrot (UFC lightweight) believes Makhachev has a solid chance at welterweight due to his adaptability and size, suggesting a squaring off with Jack Della Maddalena[3].
- Ian Machado Garry (welterweight contender) acknowledges Makhachev's skills but hasn't given a direct assessment of his divisional prospects[1].
- Coach Javier Mendez maintained that while Makhachev is the GOAT of the lightweight division, becoming a legend in the grand scheme of things would require more than just dominating at 155 pounds[4].
The Challenges Ahead
The welterweight division boasts formidable wrestlers and strikers like Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Garry, who could pose a few stylistic hurdles for Makhachev's grappling-heavy style[1][3]. No confirmed welterweight bout has been arranged for Makhachev yet, but talks are brewing following his reluctance to face Ilia Topuria at lightweight[4][5]. In essence, Makhachev's welterweight journey remains in the realm of speculation, with no confirmed fights or results to paint a clear picture. The move would be a test of Makhachev's ability to adapt to bigger opponents and higher-level wrestling[3][4].
- Bookmakers worldwide are likely preparing for potential odds on Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, if he decides to move up to the welterweight division.
- Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier, a welterweight and a former UFC lightweight contender, has expressed that Makhachev could be a formidable opponent in the welterweight division, given his athletic gifts and versatile techniques.
- The welterweight division, with fighters like Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Ian Machado Garry, presents several challenges for Makhachev's grappling-heavy style.
- If Makhachev transitions to the welterweight division, he will be facing potentially larger opponents and higher-level wrestling, which will test his ability to adapt and succeed at the new weight class.
