Dustin Poirier explains why Islam Makhachev is the best pound-for-pound fighter

Islam Makhachev has already established himself as one of the best fighters of his generation. Next Saturday at UFC 330, the two-division champion will have the opportunity to surpass Anderson Silva for the longest winning streak in UFC history. The Russian's accomplishments across multiple divisions are exactly what Dustin Poirier believes pound-for-pound greatness should represent.

Ahead of Makhachev's title defense against Ian Machado Garry, Poirier explained why the Russian has earned his status at the top of the sport. In addition, the American also pointed out what he thinks might be Garry's path to victory.

Dustin Poirier Praises Islam Makhachev's Accomplishments

Makhachev enters UFC 330 with 16 consecutive victories in the promotion, matching Silva's record for the longest winning streak in UFC history. The Russian became a two-division UFC champion after moving up from lightweight and defeating Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title. For Poirier, those accomplishments separate Makhachev from the other elite fighters in the sport.

"Anderson, his record was crazy, but what makes it more impressive is he's clearing out weight classes," Poirier said on the Deep Waters podcast. "He's beaten the best '45'er, cleaned out 155, went up, took the belt from the 170. That's what pound-for-pound really is."

Dustin Poirier Identifies Ian Machado Garry's Path to Victory

Despite his praise for Makhachev, Poirier does not think the champion is unbeatable. The former lightweight title challenger sees Garry's striking and distance management as his biggest weapons and believes the Irishman will have to keep the fight in the center of the Octagon to limit Makhachev's opportunities to wrestle.

"If he can keep Islam at the end of his punches and use good footwork, keep the fight in the middle of the octagon, stay off the fence, that's where he's going to have success, I think," Poirier said. "But, the first takedown, it's going to happen. He's not going to defend everything. His ability to get back up is going to tell the tale of the fight, I think."

For Poirier, the key may not be whether Garry can prevent every takedown, but whether he can consistently get back to his feet when Makhachev takes him down.

With Makhachev looking to add another successful title defense to his record, Garry will have the chance to pull off the biggest upset of his career. According to Poirier, his ability to maintain distance and recover from takedowns could ultimately determine whether he can dethrone the two-division champion.