Anthony Smith thinks Islam Makhachev’s fashion might result in openings for Dustin Poirier.
Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) defends his light-weight title in opposition to Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) within the UFC 302 important occasion June 1 Prudential Middle in Newark, N.J.
Poirier will try and win undisputed gold for a 3rd time after submission losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242 and Charles Oliveira at UFC 269. Though Makhachev is a heavy favourite over Poirier, Smith doesn’t essentially see their combat resembling Poirier’s loss to Nurmagomedov.
“I really like the matchup,” Smith advised ESPN. “I don’t know that it’s as cookie cutter as perhaps everybody desires to make it appear as a result of there was the Khabib combat with Dustin Poirier. Islam is extra prepared to interact in additional areas than Khabib was. Throughout the board, I feel that Islam is a greater fighter (than Poirier), however I feel his fashion offers Dustin Poirier extra alternatives to achieve success.
“If DP can land one thing huge early and get Islam to again off just a little bit – they’re several types of wrestlers, by way of Islam and Khabib. They’re several types of strikers. Dustin may be very, very harmful on his ft, and Islam has already acknowledged that. He’s cracking jokes, ‘He’s not going to get that guillotine.’ I feel this combat is far nearer than lots of people are giving it credit score for.”
Former interim champion Poirier earned a title shot after knocking out Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299 in March. He was awarded the shot after Arman Tsarukyan opted to not make aa fast turnaround after beating Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April.
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