UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev wishes he approached striking exchanges with even more confidence this past weekend.
Makhachev made his first appearance of 2024 in the main event of Saturday's pay-per-view card, taking to the Octagon at Newark's Prudential Center to stake his 155-pound crown against Dustin Poirier.
While "The Diamond" performed admirably, he was ultimately unable to bring Makhachev's reign to an end. Instead, the Dagestani tied Khabib Nurmagomedov and Benson Henderson's record tally of three defenses each by submitting the challenger in round five.
The finish came by way of a D'arce choke and followed success on the ground for the champ earlier in the fight. But Makhachev also displayed his ever-developing standup game, catching Poirier clean with a number of shots and combinations.
And with his striking gaining plenty of plaudits post-fight, Makhachev seemingly wishes he showcased even more of it...
Makhachev Reflects On UFC 302 Win: 'I Have To Believe More In My Striking'
During an interview with Megan Olivi for ESPN MMA, Makhachev provided an assessment of his performance in New Jersey, which marked his first defense against an established lightweight contender following two victories over then-featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski in 2023.
While sporting heavy damage of his own as a result of Poirier's slick boxing, Makhachev noted that he largely gave as good as he got on the feet. With that in mind, he regrets not throwing hands with more confidence.
I am happy I finished him," Makhachev said. "He give me cut. He landed a lot of good punches, but I landed good too. I think the mistake in this fight, I have to believe more in my striking. Honestly, we focused in the wrestling, take him down, make him tired there. But I have to believe in my striking more, I think.
Talk of Makhachev's striking improvements being the major area in which he surpasses the skillset of his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, increased when he knocked Volkanovski out with a head kick last October.
Going toe to toe with Poirier in that realm at UFC 302 no doubt boosted Makhachev's striking stock.