
I. Makhachev is the current UFC lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
When you think of great opponents for Islam makhachev, names like Alexander Volkanovsky, Charles of the Bronx and even Arman Tsarukyan come to mind. However, the lightweight champion's current coach (up to 70,3kg), Javier Mendez, revealed something that surprised many MMA fans: the Russian's biggest challenge was against Dustin poirier, in his title defense at UFC 302, held in June 2024.
“Dustin was the biggest challenge. He brought something that I had never seen before. The Dustin that faced Islam was different. For me, he was the biggest obstacle so far,” Mendez said in an interview with Submission Radio.
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The fight was a spectacle of alternating moments. In the first round, Makhachev seemed to dominate impeccably, with his unbeatable takedown game and absolute control of the center of the octagon. However, as the fight approached the second round, Dustin poirier showed a resistance that took the champion by surprise.
The fourth round was the most emblematic. Islam, who had controlled most of the fight until then, saw Poirier open a cut on his face and put pressure on him. But, like all great champions, Makhachev knew how to use his calm to turn the fight around.
In the last round, with the fight still open, the Russian came back determined, taking the initiative and tirelessly seeking the takedown. Poirier tried everything to escape, but ended up being surprised by a perfectly applied d'arce choke by Makhachev, who sealed the victory and kept the belt.
Now, Islam returns to the octagon to face an old acquaintance: Arman Tsarukyan. The two fighters star in the UFC 311, an event that will be held next Saturday (18).
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