Islam Makhachev made a surprising move several months ago by vacating his lightweight title to compete in the 170-pound welterweight division. This decision was prompted after Jack Della Maddalena claimed the welterweight crown by defeating Belal Muhammad. As the eagerly awaited Makhachev versus Della Maddalena fight inches closer, Dustin Poirier shared his insights on Makhachev’s potential to excel in the higher weight class.
Dustin Poirier Confident in Makhachev’s Success at Welterweight
The welterweight showdown between Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena is expected to happen later this year, generating widespread attention. Some have questioned whether Makhachev’s skills would translate effectively at 170 pounds, given his lightweight roots. However, during UFC 318’s media day, Dustin Poirier, a former rival of Makhachev, expressed strong support for his transition.
Poirier highlighted Makhachev’s natural frame and lifestyle advantages, noting his ability to comfortably fill out the welterweight category. He stated,
“He’s a big guy. I think he’s gonna fill into that weight. He’s a big 155er. His lifestyle outside of training camp is going to be comfortable. He could be a champion there for sure.”
—Dustin Poirier via UFC 318 Media Day
This confidence stems from Makhachev’s physical traits, which align well with welterweight standards.
Both fighters share similar height, with Makhachev standing at 5’10” and Della Maddalena slightly taller at 5’11”. On fight night, Makhachev’s rehydrated weight approaches 178 pounds, comparable to Della Maddalena’s typical walk-around mass. Poirier also emphasized the tactical elements that could influence the bout, especially Makhachev’s wrestling ability.
Discussing the bout dynamics, Poirier mentioned,
“I think the beginning of the fight is gonna tell the story. How well JDM does at getting up. How well does JDM does to keep Islam off of his feet. It’s tough to call that. JDM is a big guy, athletic, I’m excited about that.”
—Dustin Poirier continued
This underscores the crucial role of grappling and defensive skills in this matchup.
Poirier carries firsthand experience against Makhachev, having faced him in a grueling lightweight title fight at UFC 302. Despite delivering tough resistance, Poirier succumbed to Makhachev’s wrestling prowess in the fifth round. Given Della Maddalena’s striking focus, Makhachev’s wrestling could once again dictate the fight outcomes, potentially enabling a swift victory.
Could Makhachev’s Title Vacancy Alter Poirier’s Retirement Plans?
As Dustin Poirier prepares for his retirement bout against Max Holloway at UFC 318, featuring the BMF title on the line, there is speculation around whether this is truly his final fight. The event, hosted at New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center, carries added emotional weight as it takes place in Poirier’s hometown. Officially, ‘The Diamond’ intends to retire as champion, concluding a remarkable MMA career.
Despite this declaration, there is a growing sense of uncertainty. Many fans and analysts believe Poirier’s recent performances suggest he may still have more to offer in the octagon. Former UFC champion Aljamain Sterling recently shared his perspective about how Makhachev’s move to welterweight might affect Poirier’s decision.
Sterling commented thoughtfully,
“With Islam vacating, it kind of opens the door wide open depending on how this performance goes. Let’s say he dominates (Holloway), I feel like it’s going to be hard to settle that itch and be like, ‘I’m just done.’ … If he dominates, maybe there’s that lightbulb in the back of his head like, ‘You know what? I think we’ve got one more dance. I do think if he can go out there and dominate, look great in this performance, maybe even get a finish over a tough dude like Max…I think he sticks around for one more.”
—Aljamain Sterling via his YouTube Channel
At 36, Poirier is recognized as one of the most skilled fighters who has yet to secure an undisputed championship title. He himself acknowledges that his three career losses came against some of the most dominant UFC champions ever. Should he deliver a dominant performance at UFC 318, it could ignite a renewed desire to extend his career longer than planned.
Physical Matchup and Tactical Considerations Between Makhachev and Della Maddalena
Islam Makhachev’s physical attributes closely match those of Jack Della Maddalena, suggesting a fairly even fight in terms of size and reach. Makhachev’s standing at 5’10” and rehydrated weight reaching close to 178 pounds places him solidly within welterweight territory, nearly mirroring Della Maddalena’s natural size. This parity on size sets the stage for a strategic contest both on the feet and the ground.
Makhachev is renowned for his elite wrestling skills, a hallmark of his fighting style that allowed him to dominate opponents in the lightweight division. Poirier’s observations highlight that the fight’s outcome may hinge on Della Maddalena’s ability to defend takedowns and maintain control of the bout’s pace during the early rounds. With JDM’s striking power and athleticism, he poses a significant threat, but wrestling could prove decisive.
The Significance of Poirier’s Comments on the Welterweight Division Landscape
Dustin Poirier’s endorsement of Makhachev as a natural fit for welterweight adds a new dimension to the division’s competitive outlook. His assertion that Makhachev could easily adapt and potentially become champion there intensifies anticipation for the upcoming superfight. This outlook challenges skeptics who doubted Makhachev’s effectiveness outside lightweight, reinforcing the notion that the Dagestani fighter may dominate yet another weight class.
Moreover, Poirier’s reflections also serve as a reminder of the enduring legacies fighters build across multiple divisions, with skill sets that transcend weight categories. Should Makhachev claim the welterweight title, it would affirm his position among MMA’s elite and reshape dynamics within the 170-pound division.
Future UFC Dynamics: What’s Next After UFC 318?
As UFC 318 approaches, the stakes are high not only for Poirier’s career but also for the welterweight division’s future. If Poirier secures a decisive victory over Holloway, it might inspire him to reconsider retirement, especially with Makhachev’s departure from lightweight creating a vacuum. Meanwhile, Makhachev versus Della Maddalena promises to test the boundaries of Makhachev’s adaptability and further influence welterweight’s competitive hierarchy.
The ripple effects of these developments could impact matchmaking decisions and title contention scenarios throughout the UFC. Fans can expect intense competition and dramatic storylines emerging from both fighters’ next chapters, heightening excitement within the MMA community.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dustin Poirier a millionaire?
A. Dustin Poirier is expected to have a net worth of $10 million by 2025. He has wisely invested his money through endorsement deals with companies like Venum. Additionally, he supports charitable activities via his organization, “The Good Fight Foundation,” which helps people in need.