The former UFC middleweight champion and current commentator, Michael Bisping recently weighed in on the records of Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev. The two fighters are set to headline UFC 302, and Bisping believes that Poirier’s resume stands out.
Comparing the Records
When comparing the records of Poirier and Makhachev, Bisping doesn’t hold back. He acknowledges Makhachev’s status as the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter but points out the impressive opponents Poirier has faced:
“When you look at the record of Dustin Poirier and you compare it to Islam Makhachev’s, Dustin’s record smokes Islam’s – which sounds like I’m being disrespectful to Islam. I’m not,” Bisping said on his “Believe You Me” podcast. “But when you look at Islam: (He) fought Bobby Green, then it was for the belt against (Charles) Oliveira, then twice against (Alexander) Volkanovski.”
“When you look at Poirier, I mean, it’s insane: Max Holloway multiple times, Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, Anthony Pettis, Conor McGregor three times, Jim Miller, Dan Hooker, Oliveira, (Michael) Chandler, Gaethje again, Benoit Saint Denis. In terms of experience, he’s fought the tougher guys. I think that’s fair to say. Now, competition in common, Islam beat Charles Oliveira whereas Dustin lost.”
Michael Bisping: Dustin Poirier's record 'smokes' Islam Makhachev's #UFC302 https://t.co/njXzhYBLD8
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) May 29, 2024
Dustin Poirier’s Possibility of Retirement After UFC 302
Poirier has hinted at the possibility of retirement after his fight with Makhachev. Bisping draws parallels to his own career, where he faced a similar decision before winning the middleweight title. If Poirier emerges victorious, Bisping believes “The Diamond” will likely continue to defend the belt. However, if he loses, it could be a fitting send-off for a fighter who has given so much to the sport.
Bisping rates Dustin Poirier’s resume higher than Islam Makhachev’s, emphasizing the quality of opponents Poirier has faced throughout his career. The outcome of UFC 302 could significantly impact Poirier’s decision on retirement and the lightweight division as a whole. Regardless of the result, both fighters have left their mark in the octagon, and fans eagerly await their clash.
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