via Imago
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 23: Dustin Poirier reacts after his knockout victory over Conor McGregor of Ireland in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
via Imago
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 23: Dustin Poirier reacts after his knockout victory over Conor McGregor of Ireland in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
After his win at UFC 257, Dustin Poirier sits at the top of arguably the most talent stacked division in the UFC. ‘The Diamond’ has been in the lightweight division since after his loss to Conor McGregor in September 2014.
Despite a few setbacks, Poirier has always clawed his way back to the top. And this time around, it was no different. ‘The Diamond’ has beaten several fighters in the top 10. He is now riding a two-fight win streak with the triumph at UFC 257 being arguably his most high-profile win. The Lafayette native has a plethora of options to choose from now as he is ‘the man’ to beat in the lightweight division.
Read: 5 things you didn’t know about Ben Askren
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Will Dustin Poirier fight for the belt in 2021?
In a recent interview, Dustin Poirier spoke to Mike Bohn about enjoying the target on his back. He said, “I’ve got a target on my back. (I’m a former) interim world champion, I just knocked out Conor McGregor, and now I’m No. 1 and the only person above me, (Khabib Nurmagomedov), might never fight again. People want to climb that ladder, and in order to do that, you’ve got to beat the guys at the top. You’ve got to beat the next guys in line, so I understand why the target is on my back, and I wear it proudly”Despite being on top, the former interim champion is even fine with taking a backseat if ‘Do Bronx’ and ‘Iron’ Chandler were to fight for the strap.
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He continued, “I want to be the world champion, and Charles is a guy that’s paid his dues. He’s earned where he’s at, no doubt about it. Let him and Chandler fight for the belt. If they want Chandler in there for the title, and he’s calling for the title. Let them fight for the belt. I’ll take a step back and just watch.” (transcribed by MMA Junkie)
via Imago
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 23: (R-L) Dustin Poirier punches Conor McGregor of Ireland in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
It is understood that ‘Do Bronx’ declined a fight against Michael Chandler as he said he would not be able to make weight. ‘Iron’ had little to no damage from the fight and should be okay for a quick turnaround. A title eliminator between the two men should be a good fight with the winner facing Dustin for the undisputed strap.
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However, there have been no concrete reports about the status of the lightweight belt and how the scenarios will play out.
Do you think a title-eliminator fight between Chandler and Oliveira is a good idea? Let us know in the comments below!
