Islam Makhachev has made his feelings clear ahead of Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight.
‘The Diamond’ will call time on his career after facing Max Holloway at UFC 318 on July 19.
Dustin Poirier will have the chance to win the BMF title atop a homecoming card in New Orleans, Louisiana, which hasn’t hosted a UFC show since June 2015.
He’ll be confident of signing off with a flourish after previously picking up two wins over his UFC 318 opponent and receiving the backing of one of MMA’s best fighters, Islam Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev predicts UFC 318
Makhachev and Poirier went to war for the lightweight title at UFC 302 in June 2024.
Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s protégé was given all he could handle during the 22-minute contest.
Ultimately, Makhachev put Poirier to sleep with a brabo choke in the fifth and final round.
13 months later, the pound-for-pound superstar has expressed his respect for Poirier and backed him to beat Max Holloway later this month.
“I think Dustin will win,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie.
“He told me this is his last fight, and I think he’s going to be ready.
“He’s going to be ready. He’s going to win, I think.
“Dustin is a very good guy. From my opponents, I respect two guys: (Alexander) Volkanovski and Dustin.
“They’re really nice guys. I send them messages.”
What’s next for Islam Makhachev?
In May, Makhachev vacated his lightweight title to pursue a chance at greatness in the division above.
Ilia Topuria has since won the 155lb belt by knocking out Charles Oliveira in one round at UFC 317.
Makhachev will get the chance to become a champion again when he takes on welterweight king Jack Della Maddalena later this year.
Their fight has been heavily linked to the UFC’s upcoming show at Madison Square Garden in November.
At the time of writing, Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev does not have an official date or venue.