Islam Makhachev addresses Dustin Poirier getting props after their fight despite submission loss: "He gave me a hard time"

Islam Makhachev is set to return to action next month when he faces Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311. It will mark his first appearance in the octagon since June when he defeated Dustin Poirier via fifth-round submission to defend his lightweight title for the third time.

The lightweight champion recently weighed in on 'The Diamond' getting praise despite being finished. Speaking to Daniel Cormier of ESPN MMA, Makhachev stated:

"Honestly, Dustin improved his wrestling game a lot because always he have that trouble with the wrestling fighters who have good skills, wrestling skills. That's why I think he did a good job in the camp. He improved his defense and he gave me a hard time.

On being asked if the bout was hard, Makhachev responded:

"Yes, it was hard, but it's a very good fight for the fans and big experience for me, also."

Check out Islam Makhachev's comments on Dustin Poirier's improvement in the wrestling department below:

Poirier received plenty of praise for his ability to defend takedowns for much of the bout. Makhachev, considered among the best wrestlers in the sport, was able to land just five of his 16 takedown attempts. Ultimately, however, the lightweight champion got the job done with a fifth-round submission.

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Islam Makhachev admits to underestimating Arman Tsarukyan in their first clash

Islam Makhachev will face a familiar foe when he steps into the octagon with Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 next month. While the pair previously faced one another at UFC Fight Night 149 in 2019, the lightweight champion recently admitted to overlooking his opponent ahead of that matchup.

Speaking to Daniel Cormier of ESPN MMA, the lightweight champion initially disagreed with the notion that it was the toughest fight of his career before adding:

"It was one of the hardest fights, of course, but it's not the toughest because the five rounds with Volkanovski, it was crazy. It was heart rate more than 200, it's going, you know? But maybe I was underestimating [Tsarukyan] because he was short notice, nobody knows him and he doesn't have a name. And I never watched his fights and he did well in that fight, but I like to finish all the questions."

Check out Islam Makhachev's comments on underestimating Arman Tsarukyan below:

Makhachev won their previous matchup via unanimous decision, however, Tsarukyan received praise for his performance as he was just 22 years old and making his promotional debut on short notice. The lightweight champion has predicted that he will finish 'Ahalkalakets' this time.