UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev wants to defend his title in June and is willing to fight Dustin Poirier, who is currently available, despite believing Poirier does not merit a title fight.
Islam Makhachev is itching for a fight in June. Dustin Poirier, fresh off a win, seems to be his only option.
Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champ, is eager to defend his title. But with UFC 300 already booked with top contenders, Poirier’s timing is impeccable. He just scored a knockout win over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299.
In a chat with MMA Junkie, Makhachev admitted something. Poirier might not be the most deserving contender, but hey, he’s available. “I know Dustin does not deserve the title fight but we don’t have any option right now,” Makhachev said.
Everyone else is tied up, but Makhachev is raring to go. He’s got a goal: three fights in a year. So, he’s got to call out someone, and Poirier is free.
Poirier’s recent performance was impressive, a knockout that caught Makhachev’s eye. “He’s free now, he’s healthy and I ask him to fight in June, maybe,” Makhachev mused.
While merit isn’t always the UFC’s priority, Makhachev sees value in a fight with Poirier. He’s defended his title twice against ex-featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski. Adding Poirier to his list of conquests would be a feather in his cap.
“He beat a lot of top guys, he’s a legend,” Makhachev said. A fight with Poirier would be good for his legacy, he believes. Plus, Poirier’s a tough opponent with a killer guillotine.
Poirier, on The MMA Hour, said he’s ready for a June fight. He took “no damage” in his win over Saint Denis. With Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway set to clash at UFC 300, and ex-champ Charles Oliveira and rising star Arman Tsarukyan on the same card, Makhachev sees no other option but “The Diamond.”
“I think no one will be ready,” Makhachev said of the other lightweights. But he’s ready and raring to go. “I’m healthy now, I’m training every day, and I need someone.”