Set to make his highly-anticipated return at UFC 302, Islam Makhachev is confident he holds the “key” to secure a straightforward victory over former interim titleholder Dustin Poirier…
And what might that key be?
Well, surprisingly enough and according to Makhachev, it’s – grappling.
Here is what Islam had to say in a recent interview with TMZ Sports:
Dustin is a legend – he has more experience than anybody in this sport.
But his problem is his style, just one problem this guy have.His weak point is wrestling and the grappling.
And I just – I have the key for the easy fight, I think if I follow the plan, I can beat him easy.
He continues to explain what his approach to the fight will be like, despite Poirier being a BJJ black belt:
My style and Khabib (Nurmagomedov’s) style is worst style for Dustin.
People who can take him down and hold him there, always give him problems.And I’m not underestimating Poirier, because you know, this guy’s a legend, he can beat everybody.
Dustin, be ready – and wrestle a lot.
I defend my neck, I’m ready for your Guillotine [Choke], that’s why it’s not happening in our fight.
Check out the entire interview on the video below:
