Imagine stepping into the Octagon with not one, but two of the most dominant fighters in MMA history. That’s exactly what Dustin Poirier did, facing both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev before retiring earlier this year. But here’s where it gets controversial: after tasting defeat against both Dagestan’s finest, Poirier has now weighed in on who he believes is the stronger of the two—and his answer might surprise you.
Poirier’s journey in the UFC was nothing short of legendary. Before hanging up his gloves, he shared the Octagon with some of the sport’s all-time greats, including Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje, and the two Dagestanis who ultimately denied him the undisputed lightweight title. In 2019, Khabib submitted Poirier in the third round, and five years later, Makhachev forced him to tap out at UFC 302, marking the Louisianan’s final shot at the 155-pound throne. This unique experience positions Poirier as one of the few fighters qualified to compare these two MMA titans.
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In a candid conversation with Ariel Helwani after UFC 302, Poirier reflected on his battles with both Nurmagomedov and his protégé. Despite Makhachev’s recent ventures into higher weight classes, Poirier labeled Khabib as the physically stronger fighter. And this is the part most people miss: while Makhachev’s clinch work and upper-body pressure are undeniable, Poirier noted that Khabib’s takedowns were more explosive and his overall strength more overwhelming.
‘Takedowns are different. Pressure is similar,’ Poirier explained. ‘Makhachev does a lot of upper-body stuff, trying to clinch up, but Khabib would shoot lower shots. I think Khabib is stronger, physically stronger. Islam’s squeeze was incredible, like a vice grip, but Khabib’s power was on another level.’
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Meanwhile, Jack Della Maddalena has sparked debate by listing three advantages Makhachev holds over Nurmagomedov. Speaking on Israel Adesanya’s Young Man Ramble podcast, Maddalena argued that Makhachev’s striking is cleaner and more versatile, and that he’s less rushed than Khabib. He also believes Makhachev’s move to welterweight could put him in even better shape. But here’s the question: does striking versatility outweigh raw physical dominance? And is Makhachev’s evolution enough to surpass Khabib’s legacy?
This comparison isn’t just about skill—it’s about legacy, evolution, and the intangible qualities that make a fighter great. Poirier’s insight adds fuel to the fire, but the debate is far from over. What do you think? Is Khabib’s strength truly unmatched, or does Makhachev’s well-roundedness give him the edge? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
