Benoit Saint Denis says you possibly can’t utterly rule out Dustin Poirier’s probabilities of beating Islam Makhachev.
Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) challenges Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) for the light-weight title within the UFC 302 headliner June 1 at Prudential Heart in Newark, N.J.
Poirier closed as an underdog when he knocked out Saint Denis (13-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) to earn a shot at Makhachev. The chances are stacked in opposition to him as soon as once more when he takes on the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, however Saint Denis thinks “The Diamond” has the abilities to drag off an upset.
“He’s exact, he’s nicely rounded, he’s composed,” Saint Denis advised MMA Junkie of Poirier. “He’s in a position to climate the storm, a number of expertise, robust man. No person can provide Poirier no probability in any respect at profitable any combat within the light-weight division. In fact, Makhachev is nicely rounded. He shall be nicely ready. I do know what kind of sport plan Makhachev goes to have in opposition to Poirier.
“It’s very apparent. He’ll attempt to observe (Nurmagomedov’s) steps or Charles Oliveira’s steps as a result of it appears to be the best path to victory in opposition to Poirier, however Poirier will work on that, as nicely. He’s additionally nicely rounded, and it is going to be an incredible combat. He can get it performed, however in fact the favourite is the champion.”
Poirier wasn’t the preliminary selection for Makhachev’s subsequent title protection, however after Arman Tsarukyan declined a short-notice alternative, Poirier obtained the decision.
Saint Denis isn’t stunned to see Poirier be the one.
“Under no circumstances,” Saint Denis stated. “It’s all a query of calendars. In case you take a look at who’s booked and who just isn’t and who has confronted who, the age, the location of those guys, the grind, it’s not one thing undeserved. A variety of guys deserve the title shot, however this time it was him. He did nice, so nicely deserved.”
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