Poirier On Machado Garry's Path To Upset Makhachev

Dustin Poirier sees one path to victory for Ian Machado Garry when the Irish welterweight challenges Islam Makhachev for the title Saturday night at UFC 330.

Poirier, who lost to Makhachev in a lightweight title fight, told Deep Waters that Machado Garry must control distance and positioning to stand a chance. "If he can keep Islam at the end of his punches and use good footwork, keep the fight in the middle of the octagon, stay off the fence, that's where he's going to have success," Poirier said, per MMA Junkie.

Makhachev's Takedown Threat Looms Large

The former interim lightweight champion cautioned that Machado Garry's ability to stand back up will determine the outcome once Makhachev secures his first takedown. "The first takedown, it's going to happen. He's not going to defend everything," Poirier said, as reported by BJPenn.com. "His ability to get back up is going to tell the tale of the fight, I think."

Poirier praised Makhachev's credentials as the reigning champion looks to set the UFC record for consecutive wins. He noted that Makhachev has cleared out the lightweight division, beaten the best featherweight, and captured the welterweight belt, calling that the true definition of pound-for-pound greatness.

The main event takes place Saturday in Philadelphia, with Makhachev defending his welterweight strap against Machado Garry.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Dustin Poirier breaks down Islam Makhachev vs Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330