I imagine most people will be rooting for Dustin and of course they will be, he is a likable guy who just happened to be an exciting fighter. But styles make fights and as long as Islam sticks to the wrestling, he will dominate here. Benoit essentially ragdolled Dustin early and if you believe him, the only reason he faded and got finished in the second is because he had staph. Islam is a different level of cardio and determination. His striking has improved but the wrestling will get it done. Islam is the pick but if there is an MMA God he will bless us with a Dustin Poirier guillotine win.

Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev is an Insane wrestler with very good hands. His grappling is aggressive and he is always looking to advance, punish or finish. He doesn't just camp out looking for a decision win. He averages more than 3 takedowns per fight and you may think that is low compared to some of the other guys we have broken down, but unlike them, Islam keeps you on the ground, racks up control and works for a finish. When he takes you down, you stay down. He is coming off his second win over Alexander Volkanovski.

Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier has cemented his legacy as an exciting guy who was at the top of the food chain for a very long time. He is an excellent boxer who when he isn't jumping guillotine has high fight IQ and a BJJ black belt. His striking is very clean where he keeps distance, then steps in with that long jab. You could argue he changed MMA striking with his calf kick success against Conor in their first fight. While Dustin will work in the occasional takedown, his accuracy is a low 36%. He is coming off the come from behind win over Benoit Saint Denis where he was dominated early but rallied in the second with a massive fight changing right hook.