Dustin Poirier recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming welterweight title fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev. The two will headline UFC 322, set for this Saturday at Madison Square Garden.
Makhachev, 34, looks to become a two-division UFC champion. Known for his grappling, the Dagestani plans to test Della Maddalena’s takedown defense.
Meanwhile, Della Maddalena enters his first welterweight title defense. He captured the title after earning an impressive unanimous decision win over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in May. That win showcased his improved takedown defense, which is certainly something he will need again against Makhachev.
During an appearance on The Bohnfire, Poirier broke down what both fighters must do to win. He emphasized that Della Maddalena must control the distance and keep the fight standing.
“It’s going to come down to Jack [Della Maddalena’s] timing, his takedown defense and his wall work, and his ability to keep Islam [Makhachev] in punching range without the takedowns,” Poirier said.
Poirier also explained the mental challenge that comes with facing a strong grappler like Makhachev.
“The threat of that always in front of you for 25 minutes,” he said. “It’s hard to get off your combinations and get off the power shots you want to because you know if you miss one of those punches, your legs are going to be exposed and your balance is going to be off, and you’re going to get taken down.”
Dustin Poirier Warns Makhachev About Striking with Della Maddalena
Dustin Poirier didn’t only offer advice for Della Maddelana ahead of UFC 322. He also issued a warning to Islam Makhachev.
Poirier said that engaging in striking exchanges with Della Maddalena would be a major mistake for Makhachev. According to Louisiana native, Della Maddalena has the clear edge on the feet.
“[Makhachev] has to threaten with grappling somewhere,” Poirier told The Bohnfire. “He can’t just sit there and exchange combinations with ‘JDM’ in the center of the cage. I don’t think he can do that. He’s going to lose if he does that. [Makhachev is] going to have to keep going back to the legs to keep Jack guessing.”
He added that Makhachev must mix up his attacks to disrupt Della Maddalena’s rhythm.
“[Makhachev] can’t just sit and kickbox with Jack for 25 minutes. I don’t think he’s on that level.
Poirier’s assessment echoes what many other believe. ‘JDM’s precise striking makes him a difficult matchup for opponents who stand in range too long.
Poirier Predicts Makhachev will Defeat Della Maddalena at UFC 322
Despite praising Della Maddalena’s skill set, Poirier believes Makhachev will walk away with the welterweight championship. He expects the former lightweight champion to use his discipline to control the fight.
“If [Della Maddalena] does win, I’m not going to be totally blown away if he lands a shot that hurt [Makhachev] or a knee or something,” Poirier admitted. “If he beats Islam by decision or submits Islam, then I’m going to be blown away.”
He added that he expects the UFC 322 headliner to go the distance.
“I’ve got to go Islam by decision,” Poirier told The Bohnfire. “He has everything it takes to pull off this upset, but if I had to make a final decision, I would go Islam.”
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