Dustin Poirier torn on Ilia Topuria's chances in potential Islam Makhachev superfight

Dustin Poirier believes Ilia Topuria has the abilities to beat Islam Makhachev – however possibly not the dimensions.

UFC featherweight champion Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is raring to maneuver up a weight class and problem light-weight champ Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC). Makhachev isn’t excited about defending his title towards one other 145 pounder, however Topuria’s dominance has many considering he has a stable shot – together with Poirier.

Poirier’s most up-to-date combat got here in a fifth-round submission loss to Makhachev at UFC 302, and he thinks Topuria may not have the dimensions to cope with Makhachev’s grappling.

“He positively does have a shot,” Poirier informed Sports activities Illustrated of Topuria vs. Makhachev (through House of Struggle). “I believe from ’45 to 170, Topuria has the facility and the abilities to knock anyone out. His timing, his rhythm, his energy is unbelievable, however the dimension distinction is with Islam’s wrestling.

“I’ve by no means seen Topuria in individual. Clearly I fought Islam; he’s a giant man. Islam can’t make ’45. I do know they are saying Topuria may stroll round 190 (kilos) outdoors of fights and stuff, however I simply assume Islam is simply an excessive amount of, however I don’t know. Like I stated, if Ilia does join, he can put anyone out.”

Topuria grew to become the primary man to knock out Max Holloway at UFC 308. Previous to that, he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to change into featherweight champion at UFC 298.

In the meantime, Makhachev continued his reign over the 155-pound division when he rapidly submitted Renato Moicano at UFC 311, breaking the report for many title defenses in divisional historical past at 4.