Former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier is keeping a close eye on this Saturday’s UFC 322 main event between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, and he believes the reigning pound-for-pound king won’t be undersized at all when he steps into the octagon at welterweight. 💥
The highly anticipated showdown at Madison Square Garden sees Della Maddalena defend his welterweight title for the first time against the former lightweight champion, as Makhachev looks to join an elite list of two-division UFC champions.
Poirier, who went nearly five hard rounds against Makhachev at UFC 302 in June 2024 before being submitted in the fifth, knows firsthand just how dangerous the Dagestani is — but he also sees real intrigue in how Della Maddalena’s elite boxing could change the fight’s rhythm.
“I’m excited for [Makhachev],” Poirier told MMA Fighting. “He made history. He’s trying to continue making history. I’m going to be there in attendance with Bud Light for that event at Madison Square Garden, so I’m excited to see that in person.” 🏟️🍻
As for who gets the edge, Poirier believes it all comes down to Della Maddalena’s takedown defense and ability to stay off the cage.
“To pick a fighter in this one, I think both guys are great at certain things. It’s all going to come down to the takedown defense of JDM. If he can get back up to his feet, if he can use the fence, or stay off the fence, use his boxing — I think he definitely could give Islam a lot of troubles in the center of the octagon,” Poirier said. “He’s a great striker. He’s big and powerful.” 🥊
Della Maddalena enters the fight riding an 18-fight win streak, including an instant classic decision win over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in May to claim the belt. Meanwhile, Makhachev has won 15 straight and defended the lightweight title four times before vacating it earlier this year to chase gold in a second division.
Despite the 15-pound jump, Poirier doesn’t expect Makhachev to be at a size disadvantage at all.
“Islam is not a small man,” Poirier explained. “He’s 5’11”, he’s big. It’s not like he’s having to put on years of muscle. He’s been holding his body back from being naturally bigger to stay at lightweight. He’s going to look like a solid welterweight in a title fight.” 💪
Still, Poirier says if Della Maddalena can consistently get back up and keep the fight standing, Makhachev could face serious problems in the striking exchanges. With both fighters on massive streaks and styles that couldn’t be more different, Poirier expects fireworks when the cage door closes this Saturday night in New York. 🇺🇸🔥
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