Dustin Poirier expects size to play a factor in the Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski super fight.
Lightweight champion Makhachev (23-1 MMA, 12-1 UFC) defends his title against featherweight champion Volkanovski (25-1 MMA, 12-0 UFC) in the UFC 284 main event Feb. 11 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
Although Volkanovski has competed all the way up to 170 pounds early in his career, he has found a home at featherweight, where he has ruled the division in dominant fashion. Makhachev has outgrappled all his opposition in his octagon wins and Poirier thinks Volkanovski could have a tough time dealing with his strength.
“I think Volkanovski’s going to be a little undersized for 155 pounds, but he can still win it – he could still get it done,” Poirier said in an interview with BroBible. “He’s beat some great 145ers. He beat Max Holloway a few times. We’ll see. But I think he’s just going to be a little undersized compared to Islam. Islam’s big, solid, strong.”
Former interim lightweight champ Poirier (29-7 MMA, 21-6 UFC) is on the cusp of another title shot after he submitted Michael Chandler at UFC 281. “The Diamond” is looking for an opponent who excites him for his next fight, but if the UFC offered him a backup role for Makhachev vs. Volkanovski, he’d think about it.
“I would never say never, but they haven’t reached out yet,” Poirier said.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 284.