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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 27: Dustin Poirier reacts after the conclusion of his lightweight fight against Dan Hooker during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on June 27, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 27: Dustin Poirier reacts after the conclusion of his lightweight fight against Dan Hooker during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on June 27, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Dustin Poirier shocked the world last month at UFC 257 when he knocked out Conor McGregor in an emphatic fashion. ‘The Diamond’ avenged his 2014 loss against ‘The Notorious’ and it is expected the duo will go for a rubber match to settle the score between them once and for all. With lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov seemingly retired, many suggested that Poirier should fight for the belt next.
But the Louisiana native has some other suggestions for the current scenario. He wants Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler to battle it out for the gold, as he is willing to take a step back and watch. The former interim champion clarified his stance on the matter.
"If they want Chandler in there for the title, and he’s calling for the title, let (him and Oliveira) fight for the belt. I’ll take a step back and just watch.”@DustinPoirier minces no words. 💎@MikeBohnMMA's interview: https://t.co/O6HHqRY6lV pic.twitter.com/HEE95mYXUn
— MMA Junkie (@MMAjunkie) February 1, 2021
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“I want to be the world champion. But uh, you know, and Charles is a guy who’s paid his dues man, 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 called for the title of that. Let them fight for the belt. I’ll take a step back and just watch,” said Poirier when asked about his take on the situation.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 23: (R-L) Michael Chandler punches Dan Hooker of New Zealand 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)
Michael Chandler made his triumphant Octagon debut in the co-main event of UFC 257. Oliveira on the other hand is on an 8-fight winning streak at the moment. Both fighters sit amongst the top-five in the UFC lightweight division.
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Dustin Poirier is a wanted man right now
Poirier‘s star has never shone brighter and he is currently the most sought after fighter in the UFC if not in the whole roster. After his win at UFC 257, everybody including Tony Ferguson, Michael, Chandler, Charles Oliveira, Nate Diaz, and more called him out. The options are in a bulk in front of him.
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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)
Poirier has made his priorities clear, though. A world title fight is his primary goal. But a rematch against Conor McGregor is also very enticing for him and so is a bout against Nate Diaz.
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Who should Poirier face next? Should Chandler and Oliveira fight it out for the belt?
