There’s a rumor circulating that Islam Makhachev may have contracted a staph infection, which Michael Bisping believes could impair the UFC lightweight champion’s performance. Makhachev headlines UFC 302 on Saturday, facing Dustin Poirier in a 155-pound title fight.
A promotional picture of Makhachev has revealed a spot on his left shin that seems to resemble the skin blemishes caused by staph infections. If Makhachev has indeed contracted a staph infection, Bisping has opined that it could negatively impact the champion in the fight.
Bisping explained as much on his YouTube channel, where he discussed the topic of Makhachev’s rumored staph infection.
“He’s [Islam Makhachev] gonna go out there in round one, he’s probably gonna get the takedown. He’s probably gonna get top position, take the back, whatever. But Dustin Poirier, if he can get out of that first round. If you make it to the second round, the third round, take him into the championship rounds, into deep waters.”
Bisping, it seems, feels that if Makhachev is indeed ill, Poirier’s best chance at capturing undisputed UFC gold are in the championship rounds. He added:
“Will that staph infection [affect him]? Well, that’s when it starts to take its toll. Is that when it will start to really drag on the cardio system, on the strength, on the power, on the ability to take Dustin down to the canvas? We don’t know, but it’s certainly something to think about.”
Check out Michael Bisping’s thoughts on Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier (5:58):