UFC: Dustin Poirier has a special training partner for preparation of his figh

UFC 230 features a barn burner of a co-main event as #10 ranked fan favourite Nate Diaz (19-11 MMA, 14-9 UFC) will make his much anticipated return after two years to take on a surging #3 ranked Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier (24-5-1NC, 16-4-1NC) at Madison Square Garden on November 3.

In an ideal world which this isn’t, Poirier after finishes of three former world champs in Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje and Eddie Alvarez, certainly deserves a title shot. Poirier claimed he won’t answer the call unless it’s a title shot. However out of no where, on the conference of UFC’s 25th Anniversary Fall, the matchup was confirmed.

A victory against Diaz will certainly cement Poirier’s title shot which he already deserves. Hence for preparation, Poirier has seeked help to work on an aspect which is Diaz’ weak link which are leg kicks. And who can be more qualified to drill kicks, the hardest kicker in MMA, lightweight Edson Barboza. (via Twitter):

Good to have @EdsonBarbozaJR on the team! pic.twitter.com/RlpRbgqgJx

— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) September 10, 2018

Diaz has flawless striking and utilizes his long reach. On top of that he also has a textbook BJJ base. However leg kicks have always troubled Diaz. Famously to use them against Diaz was former lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos. Later on even former champ Conor McGregor took a page from Anjos’ book to beat Diaz.

Training with Edson Barboza might iron out Poirier’s kicking game a bit to use against Diaz. Barboza is currently training with Poirier in his training ground of American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida.