Islam makhachev at a press conference at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC
The timing of the knockout victory over Benoit Saint-Denis in the co-main event of UFC 299, last Saturday (9), seems to have been determined so that Dustin poirier can 'jump the queue' Justin gaethje e Charles of the Bronx and become the next challenger for the belt Islam makhachev in light weight (up to 70,3 kg).
After reaching a verbal agreement to have Poirier as the next title challenger in June, in Saudi Arabia, Makhachev admitted, in an interview with the North American website 'MMA Junkie', that he did not consider the 'Diamond' worthy of the dispute, but rather the only option available to remain active.
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“I know Dustin doesn't deserve the title fight, but we don't have any options right now. Everyone is busy. I want to fight three times this year. I need to call someone and Poirier is free. He showed an excellent performance and managed a beautiful knockout. He is free, he is healthy and I called him to fight in June”, said the champion.
Main candidates for the dispute, Charles of the Bronx e Justin gaethje, respectively first and second placed in the category ranking, come into play in the history UFC 300, which takes place on April 13th. Makhachev doesn't believe either man will be available to return to the Octagon in about two months.
“No one else will be ready. Maybe someone is, but I need to fight. I'm healthy, training every day and I need someone. He (Poirier) beat a lot of the top guys. It's a legend. A fight with him will be good for me, for the story, for everything. He is a legend and a tough opponent. He has a good guillotine,” said the Russian.
Regarding the famous guillotine of Dustin poirier, Islam makhachev believes it could be the beginning of the end for the former interim champion.
“I'm going to take him down, he's going to try the guillotine, I'm going to take his back and I'm going to strangle him. That’s it,” he finished.
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