Islam makhachev (left) and Dustin poirier (right) are standouts in the lightweight MMA division. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
Featured in the UFC's lightweight division (up to 70,3kg) for years, Dustin poirier reinforced the desire to measure strength with the champion Islam makhachev. With a verbal agreement to face the Russian star, the 'Diamond' teased his possible rival and pointed to eventually winning the title as the 'last goal of his career'. Pupil of Khabib Nurmagomedov, the belt holder even suggested a confrontation for June.
“Now, it’s up to him. I did more in MMA than him. I've been competing for a long time. I've been fighting since before the sport became successful, and I'm still here, performing at the highest level. I can beat anyone in the world and I hope he's next,” said Poirier, in an interview with 'MMA Junkie'.
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Former interim champion in the category, Dustin admits that his obsession with the dispute has a greater reason. According to the fighter, assuming leadership of the group represents his ultimate goal in the sport.
“There is only this to accomplish. I did everything else in MMA. I did a lot of business, I managed several cards. I performed 30 times in the Octagon. My family is safe. I did everything, win the (linear) title. That’s what’s left and what I want”, he concluded.
At the age of 35, Poirier fought for the last time in UFC 299. On that occasion, the athlete brutalized the promising Benoit Saint-Denis, displacing the prospect and defending a prominent position in the top 5 of the lightweight division.
Target of the division's highlights, champion Makhachev remains without official challenges for 2024. The athlete recently offered Poirier a title shot and indicated June as a likely date.
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