Following his highlight reel knockout win over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299 earlier this month, Dustin Poirier has been on cloud nine. Assumed to be at the cusp of retirement, he now finds himself on course for a potential title shot against Islam Makhachev in June. However, as expected, there has been a lot of debate on the topic.
Recently, ‘The Diamond‘ put the lightweight division on notice once again with a super win over a surging contender. Shortly afterward, Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz put forth the idea of an Islam-Dustin matchup in the summer, on the June PPV. Naturally, Dustin willingly put his name in the hat for another shot at championship gold.
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) March 11, 2024
However, despite Islam calling for the fight, there has been an understandable outrage against it as well. After all, it would mean that Poirier is getting the title shot off of beating the #12 ranked contender, having been knocked out by Justin Gaethje just a few months prior. Additionally, he would be getting the shot over Gaethje, who is set to take on Max Holloway at UFC 300 to defend his BMF strap.
Daniel Cormier reveals why Islam Makhachev is more dangerous for Dustin Poirier
All things considered, many have since resigned to the fact that if the champ wants it and all parties are willing, then the fight will likely be made. At the same time, an important thing to consider is the fact that this will be Dustin’s third title shot, and due to the debate around it, quite possibly his last chance to touch undisputed gold.
However, as Daniel Cormier states, the Louisiana native is in for probably his most difficult fight yet against Islam Makhachev. Speaking on his show, DC stated:
“He’s (Makhachev) a better striker, I feel like he’s even more dangerous than Khabib was during his prime.”
Daniel Cormier believes Islam Makhachev will be deadlier for Dustin Poirier than Khabib Nurmagomedov
📹 @dc_mma #dustinpoirier @TeamKhabib pic.twitter.com/QEVGNxstvj
— Sportsmanor UFC (@sportsmanor_UFC) March 16, 2024
“I think Makhachev possesses all of these (qualities), very similar when he gets you on the ground. But, because he’s a better striker, I feel he’s even more dangerous than Khabib was during his prime.”
Considering that both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira were able to dispatch Poirier with relative ease, it could be a life-threatening matter if he fights Islam Makhachev. Considering that he previously dethroned the #1 P4P fighter Alexander Volkanovski as well, Poirier is more likely getting sent to the chopping block than a chance to win the title.
Islam Makhachev reveals why he wants to fight Dustin Poirier next
Naturally, many have been puzzled by Islam Makhachev’s willingness to entertain the option of fighting Dustin Poirier. With that said, it may be surprising to some but the fight would be Islam’s first title defense against an actual lightweight contender. Thus, some believe that Poirier is likely the easiest option for the champ right now.
Speaking in an interview with MMA Junkie, Islam revealed why he was open to fighting Poirier in June.
“I know Dustin does not deserve the title fight, but we don’t have any option right now,” Makhachev stated. “Everybody (is) busy, but I want to fight, you know? I want to fight three times in the year, that’s why I just have to call out someone, and Poirier is free now”.
Further, the Dagestani champion added, “He’s a legend, he beat a lot of top guys, and he’s a tough opponent too. He have a good guillotine.” Of course, the last remark had a subtle hint of sarcasm in it. Owing to Dustin’s willingness to jump for guillotines in the past and in recent times, many have been left rather amused. However, whether it will help him in the actual fight or not, only time will tell.
