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via Imago

via Imago

Islam Makhachev‘s UFC 294 opponent had to be switched up, and there were many contenders. However, the most eager of them all was none other than Dustin Poirier. Former champion Charles Oliveira had to pull out of the fight because of a grievous head injury and the UFC world was left without answers for a while.

Now, Makhachev has a new competitor in his previous foe, Alexander Volkanovski. However, it was Dustin Poirier who was ready to give it his all to fight the champion. In the end, the fight didn’t come through, but that doesn’t mean the fighter didn’t try at all. Here’s what Dana White and Co., had to say about it and how fans reacted to the news.

Dustin Poirier really wanted the Makhachev fight

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Dustin Poirier didn’t end up being Makhachev’s next fight but he surely tried his best. In fact, recently, Hunter Campbell revealed that the fighter kept trying to talk him into making it happen. The Chief Business Officer revealed that Poirier would keep on requesting him to give him the title shot.

“Not just said he would do it. But (Poirier was) bugging me ‘what’s up man? C’mon, brother. Tell me.'” said the UFC insider. Clearly, ‘The Diamond’ wanted a go at it, with no exceptions. However, fans assumed ‘Volk’ was chosen over him to continue Makhachev’s rivalry with him.

Campbell’s quotes were shared on Instagram inviting a ton of fan reactions. One of the people reacting was Poirier himself who reacted with a salute emoji. So, is there a real chance for Poirier to go against Makhachev in the near future? Perhaps this next fight will be the decision maker.

If Volkanovski takes home the title, a title fight against Dustin Poirier could be very entertaining. ‘The Diamond’, known for absorbing pressure, is currently sitting at number 3 in UFC lightweight rankings. It wouldn’t be out of the question, but as of right now, it looks like a title fight for him could take a while. Especially if ‘The Great’ wins.

Considering his recent loss at the BMF title fight, Poirier will have to take the long road to the title after being dropped to replace Oliveira. However, this move from Dustin Poirier earned him some favor from the fans. Let’s see what they had to say.

Fans react to Dustin Poirier’s eagerness to fight

Fans lined up in the comment sections either to protest for a Poirier fight or put it down. His eagerness sure earned him some praise because showing up last minute for a fight against someone like Makhachev takes a lot. Poirier understands his odds and risks and fans do too. Here are some of their best reactions.

“DP!” Commented UFC veteran Daniel Cormier.

“DP!” Commented Glibert Burns with fist emojis.

“Without question! DP is a dawwwwg.” read another reaction.

While some praised the fighter’s spirit to get into the cage, others felt like he didn’t have it in him.

“I respect Dustin, but he has zero chance against Islam.”

“Islam would’ve preferred Dustin I feel, easier path to victory.”

Others pointed out how Poirier needed this fight and needed to win it for a big bag of cash.

“I mean why wouldn’t he accept that fight , he literally got KOd his last fight , getting a short notice payday and a title shot would be a gift . Surprised they even called him”

“PAYDAYYYY HE WANTS PAYDAY”

Finally, some fans were certain Poirier would secure a win over Makhachev.

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“Dustin would hurt Islam bad”

“Dustin gonna be champ by next summer”

Also Read: Not Waiting for “Apology”, Dustin Poirier Rebukes Lightweight Rival for Being Dishonest

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Clearly, some fans feel the fighter’s spirit with his eagerness. However, we won’t be able to tell if Poirier will beat Makhachev or not until the two enter the cage. Before that ever happens, the Dagestani fighter will have to face Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. Who do you have your money on?

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