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Dustin Poirier, the man who's battled the best, is offering fans a rare glimpse into the fighting styles of UFC champions Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. Both men submitted Poirier in their respective fights, showcasing their elite grappling skills.
Poirier Reflects on Tough Matchups:
"These wrestling-heavy styles are my biggest challenge," Poirier admitted in a recent interview. "They slow the fight down and make it hard to get anything going." However, he acknowledged the fighters' prowess: "Both Makhachev and Khabib are everything you expect – tough, strong, and gritty. You don't reach their level without those qualities."
Dissecting the Champions' Styles:
Poirier shed light on the subtle differences between the two Dagestani wrestlers.
"Their pressure feels similar," he explained, "but their takedown approaches differ. Khabib focused on lower-body shots, while Makhachev utilizes a lot of upper-body clinching."
Strength vs. Technique:
"Physically, Khabib felt stronger," Poirier revealed. However, he highlighted Makhachev's unique strength: "Islam's squeeze on the D'arce choke was incredible. It wasn't overwhelming strength, but the technique was like a vise grip."
Poirier's insights offer valuable analysis for MMA fans, providing a deeper understanding of these dominant champions and their distinct grappling styles.