Islam Makhachev makes astonishing claim about Dustin Poirier fight outcome had Khabib Nurmagomedov not forced "easy way" at UFC 302

Ahead of UFC 311, Islam Makhachev took part in an interview with Shakiel Mahjouri, during which he revealed that were it not for Khabib Nurmagomedov's instructions, he would have continued striking with Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. In fact, Makhachev believes he was on the verge of a knockout.

Instead, Nurmagomedov, his friend and mentor, urged him to rely on his wrestling and grappling instead of risking a potential win by indulging Poirier in the striking department, where 'The Diamond' is strongest. Nevertheless, Makhachev believes Nurmagomedov should have given him more freedom.

"Man, if he let me strike more in that last fight, I can knock out Dustin. But he always, I go like, 'One-two, one-two-three' and then take him down, take him down."

Check out Islam Makhachev's assessment of his Dustin Poirier fight (3:45):

Despite his desire to strike more, Makhachev ultimately conceded to Nurmagomedov's demands and submitted Poirier in round four. The win earned Makhachev his third consecutive lightweight title defense, tying the divisional record held by 'The Eagle', B.J. Penn, Frankie Edgar, and Benson Henderson.

However, this desire to strike and abandon the gameplan enforced by his corner has cost Makhachev before. Years ago in his sophomore UFC fight, he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Adriano Martins. It remains the only blemish on Makhachev's record.

The defeat was crushing, and the late great Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov believed it was due to Makhachev upping the aggression of his striking. But he has since evolved as a fighter and is all the more eager to showcase his skills as a mixed martial artist. Next week, he'll do so against Arman Tsarukyan.

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Islam Makhachev has showcased his improved striking in his last three bouts

Despite submitting Dustin Poirier in round four, Islam Makhachev spent much of the fight outstriking 'The Diamond.' In fact, he even outboxed him. Prior to the Poirier bout, Makhachev took part in an anticipated rematch against then-featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, knocking him out in round one.

Before that, he had his first fight with Volkanovski, outstriking and stunning him at several points, even dropping him to a knee during an exchange. Given Volkanovski's mettle as a striker, it was evidence of Makhachev's evolution as a fighter.