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#4. Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje could prove to be another extremely tough match-up for Islam Makhachev. The former UFC interim lightweight champion is among the fighters with the highest power inside the octagon. With a takedown defense that is 69% efficient and an average of 7.46 strikes landed per minute, he can be a nightmare for Islam Makhachev.
Justin Gaethje is an NCAA Division I All-American who started wrestling when he was four years old, just like the Dagestani bunch. However, he rarely looks for takedowns and has a reputation for pressing his opponents with relentless striking. The only time he submitted an opponent was in 2012, and he has only one submission loss as well, which came against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254.
'The Highlight' has finished 19 of his 22 wins by knockout and has received bonuses in seven of them in the UFC. If put against Islam Makhachev, he could definitely ruin the record held by the Russian for being the least-hit fighter in the UFC.
Justin Gaethje has also tasted what it is like to go against a tough Dagestani wrestler, and can certainly use that experience against Islam Makhachev.
Also Read: Islam Makhachev reveals why Khabib Nurmagomedov and he don't fight for money.
#3. Dustin Poirier
Dustin Poirier is certainly in the debate for one of the best UFC lightweights ever, and is currently proving it by sitting at the top contender spot in the division. The #6-ranked UFC pound-for-pound fighter is a seasoned striker and is considered one of the best boxers in the organization. Being a southpaw, Poirier can give Islam Makhachev all sorts of puzzles to solve inside the octagon during a stand-up battle.
'The Diamond' has also proven himself to be a grappler and a wrestler. He has spent a lot of time inside the octagon submitting his opponents and defending submissions. Dustin Poirier has seven submission wins in his MMA career, three of which have come in the UFC. He defeated former UFC champion Max Holloway via a triangle armbar in 2012.
He has solid fundamentals in the grappling department, which he has displayed quite a few times. The scary guillotine attempt on Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242 and a guillotine escape against Conor McGregor at UFC 264 can be taken as prime examples.
Dustin Poirier is next in line for the title shot, and defeating #9-ranked Islam Makhachev is certainly something the Louisiana native is capable of.
Also Read: 5 reasons why Dustin Poirier is the best lightweight in the world at the moment.
