Dustin Poirier gives the thumbs up to Topuria-Makhachev: “I would give him a title shot”

Dustin Poirier is a UFC legend . The Louisiana-born fighter had a landmark professional career, but he was unlucky enough to come up against two of the greatest lightweight fighters to ever exist: Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. The two Russian martial artists prevented him from becoming a UFC champion, as they both beat him when he was trying for the undisputed title. Poirier did win the interim title in his day, but he never managed to become the absolute champion.

In any case, the American is a legendary fighter, who is now facing the final stretch of his career. Recently, in an interview with MMA Fighting, Poirier said that the UFC is working on holding a farewell event in New Orleans, where he will be the main event. "It would be in July or August," said the American Top Team fighter. The reality is that he has achieved practically everything in mixed martial arts and it is time to stop.

But in the meantime, some rumours suggested that Poirier could be the one in charge of welcoming Ilia Topuria to the lightweight division, something that, after these latest statements, has been ruled out. In fact, Poirier himself has pointed out that the Spanish-Georgian deserves to go for Islam Makhachev's title directly. "If he has left the belt and has moved up, after finishing off Max Holloway like he did, I would give him the opportunity for the lightweight title from the beginning," said the Louisiana native.

With Poirier ruled out as a possible rival for Topuria, El Matador's path points to two options: the aforementioned champion Islam Makhachev or the former champion Charles Oliveira. It is true that the Spanish-Georgian's team is making a lot of effort to push for Topuria to get the opportunity to fight for the lightweight title directly, and this could be the opponent in June. But, if he rejects the fight, Oliveira seems like a suitable dance partner for the former featherweight champion.