Makhachev Predicts Dustin Poirier as Favorite in Upcoming Trilogy Fight Against Holloway

The former UFC champion from Russia, **Islam Makhachev**, shared his thoughts on the upcoming third clash between American fighters **Dustin Poirier** and **Max Holloway**, scheduled for July 19 in New Orleans, USA, during UFC 318.

«I believe Dustin has the upper hand. He mentioned to me that this will be his final fight… I think he will be prepared and will come out on top,» Makhachev stated in an interview with MMAJunkie.

In his latest matchup at UFC 309 last October, Holloway fell short in a title fight for the featherweight championship (up to 65 kg) against Georgian fighter Ilia Topuria. Meanwhile, Poirier faced Makhachev at UFC 307 in July, where he lost by submission in his bid for the lightweight title (up to 70 kg).

As he prepares for his farewell bout, Poirier has been honing his boxing skills.