Images: Sam Navarro/Jasmin Frank/USA TODAY Sports

Longtime Dustin Poirier Teammate Warns Islam Makhachev: 'If He Lets Dustin Crack Him...' (Exclusive)

Originally posted on MMA News | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated 3/26/24

One of Dustin Poirier's American Top Team training partners has insisted that UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev will go down if "The Diamond" hits him clean.

Poirier didn't appear to be in the conversation regarding the next opponent for Makhachev toward the start of 2024. That's because in his previous outing at UFC 291 in Salt Lake City last July, "The Diamond" was stopped in violent fashion by Justin Gaethje.

Earlier this month at UFC 299 in Miami, Poirier bounced back in style, knocking out the highly touted Benoît Saint Denis in the second round of their co-headlining contest.

While that result perhaps wouldn't normally warrant a subsequent shot at gold, the current state of the lightweight division — Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and Arman Tsarukyan are all tied up with UFC 300 fights — has appeared to put Poirier in prime position to be the one opposite Makhachev in the champ's desired June defense.

Given his previous struggles on the ground opposite Oliveira and Khabib Nurmagomedov, many have counted out Poirier's chances against Makhachev, including the Dagestani titleholder himself.

But one man familiar with both men won't rule "The Diamond" out...

Moisés Promises Makhachev Will 'Go Down' If Poirier Connects

During an exclusive interview with MMA News, UFC lightweight Thiago Moisés gave his assessment of the potential next championship fight in his division.

The Brazilian is well placed to break down the rumored clash between Makhachev and Poirier, having gone just less than four rounds with the former during a UFC Fight Night main event in 2021 and frequently trained alongside the latter at the ATT gym in Coconut Creek.

After laying heavy praise on Poirier's ability, Moisés backed his teammate to challenge for gold next. Should that come to fruition, the formerly ranked 155lber has no doubt that the Louisianan could drop Makhachev.

"Dustin, he's a beast, you know? He's been in this game for so long, and at the top. I respect him a lot and it was amazing to see him win as my teammate," Moisés told MMA News. "His boxing is so sharp, he's fun to watch, and I love his personality. We've trained together for like, I think more than 10 years.

"I think he's gonna fight for the belt again soon. I think there is nothing new to say (about Makhachev vs. Poirier)," Moisés continued. "Of course, Islam, he has the grappling advantage. But if he lets Dustin crack him, he's gonna go down."

Whether or not Makhachev will take notice of such a warning remains to be seen. He's appeared largely dismissive of Poirier's credentials on social media, although many have acknowledged that it's likely his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, doing the trash talk.