Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, has voiced his support for Dustin Poirier ahead of Poirier’s upcoming match against Max Holloway at UFC 318 this weekend.
“100% [I will root for Dustin]. He’s my guy I will support him,”
Makhachev said.
“We text each other a lot. And this is his last match I think he will come out at his peak. I wish him luck and I think he will win.”
The endorsement comes as Poirier prepares for what he says will be his final match. At 36, the Louisiana native has racked up 21 wins in 31 UFC appearances, becoming one of the most respected competitors in the promotion’s history despite never claiming the undisputed title.
Though both compete in the same weight division, Makhachev and Poirier have developed a friendship that goes beyond competition. Their regular communication reflects a mutual admiration between the two.
Pressed for a prediction, Makhachev shared:
“I think a victory decision. It’s hard to finish both of them. Both of them hold the blow well so to speak. Both of them don’t knock out so much. But both of them hit exactly.”
He believes the outcome will be determined by skill and precision, not brute force.
“The stance works more. I think there will be work on the technique. Who will outplay whom.”
UFC 318 will be the third encounter between Poirier and Holloway. Their first meeting in 2012 ended with Poirier submitting Holloway in the opening round. The 2019 rematch saw Poirier win the interim lightweight title by unanimous decision in a match that broke the record for most significant strikes in the division.
This final chapter is even more meaningful for Poirier, who will compete in front of his home crowd at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. While Holloway brings the symbolic BMF title into the cage, Poirier has a chance to end his career with a statement performance against a rival who has shaped much of his legacy.
With Makhachev in his corner—at least in spirit—Poirier aims to close out his career on his terms.
y night.
