Islam Makhachev has been urged to keep his caution up against Jack Della Maddalena by one of his former foes.
Expected to make good on his long-mooted welterweight climb later this year, Makhachev has been tied to an end-of-year title fight against new champion, Della Maddalena.
And seeing his lightweight reign finally end over the weekend, Makhachev was sure to be an avid viewer of the UFC 317 headliner.
Seeing arch-rival, Ilia Topuria win his crown in a brutal knockout win over Charles Oliveira, Makhachev’s time at 155lbs has come to an end — at least for the time being.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC
But with a move to welterweight imminent, Makhachev has been warned to cover all bases against Aussie star Della Maddalena, by a recent opponent of the Russian’s.
Dustin Poirier offers advice to Islam Makhachev ahead of welterweight move
Himself all too familiar with divisional climbs, former interim lightweight titleholder Poirier seems intrigued by Makhachev’s move up to fight Della Maddalena.
And a victim of the former pound-for-pound number one’s wrestling clinics, Poirier claimed Makhachev could still face some “problems” in the striking exchanges against JDM.
“I think if he (Islam Makhachev) gets those takedowns, he’s going to get the win,” Poirier told MMA Junkie.
Dustin Poirier on stage at the UFC 302 press conference. Credit: Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
“If Jack (Della Maddalena) can stop those takedowns – he does have good takedown defense – I think the boxing and the size could wear on Islam and give him some problems.
More News
“Islam’s striking is awkward and different. You have to worry so much about the takedown.”
Islam Makhachev targets MSG debut in welterweight title siege
Winning his first Octagon crown in the Middle East, it seems Makhachev already has his mind made up as to where he’ll challenge for his second championship.
Namely, an outing at an annual Madison Square Garden against Della Maddalena suits Makhachev to a T.
“I asked him (Dana White) if we have some opportunity to fight in Madison Square Garden,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie. “It would be an honor for me to fight in the biggest arena for MMA and boxing. Legendary arena.”
Leaving lightweight in record-setting fashion, Makhachev became the most prolific champion in weight class history with his D’Arce choke win over Renato Moicano at the beginning of this year.
