Top lightweight contender Dustin Poirier (29-8 MMA, 21-7 UFC) isn’t ruling out former UFC champion Charles Oliveira in a potential rematch against reigning champion Islam Makhachev. After suffering a submission defeat to Makhachev, who went on to claim the vacant title at UFC 280 in October 2022. Oliveira bounced back with a first-round TKO victory over Beneil Dariush, securing another opportunity to face Makhachev.
The reigning champion has won back-to-back fights against featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski. In his last fight, Volk, one of the top fighters in the world of mixed martial arts, was defeated by Makhachev by KO after a brutal head kick.
However, this was not the original plan, as Islam was supposed to take on Oliveira in a rematch at the main event of UFC 294. Nevertheless, the Brazilian had to pull out due to an injury days before the fight. ‘Do Bronx’ boasts victories over all the fighters in the UFC’s top five lightweight rankings, including Poirier. Therefore, ‘The Diamond’ believes that if Oliveira is mentally prepared, he has the potential to defeat Makhachev.
“If Oliveira’s mindset is in, if he’s the same guy who fought me, who fought Chandler, I think he can win that fight,” Dustin Poirier told MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn. “I don’t think he wanted to fight in that title fight. He looked like he didn’t want to be there. He quit on himself, it looked like,” Poirier added.
Dustin Poirier received an invitation to replace Charles Oliveira against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 following Oliveira’s withdrawal due to a cut. However, the promotion ultimately opted for Alexander Volkanovski. Poirier anticipates Makhachev’s development to persist, especially after his victory over Volkanovski.
Dustin Poirier Wants to fight at UFC 300
The anticipation for UFC 300, scheduled for 2024, is already buzzing among fans worldwide. The UFC is undoubtedly striving to make it a historic and dynamic event, prompting many fighters to vie for a spot on the card.
Speculation is also there that former UFC double champ Conor McGregor might make his return at UFC 300. In light of this, Dustin Poirier has expressed his eagerness to be part of this monumental event. In an interview with MMA Junkie, ‘The Diamond’ expressed his interest in fighting on the UFC 300 card and also declared his eagerness to face BMF Champion Justin Gaethje for the third time.
Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje share a significant history as their initial encounter took place in 2018, resulting in Poirier’s TKO victory over Gaethje. The duo had a rematch five years later, in 2023, at UFC 291, contending for a BMF title, with Justin emerging victorious via KO.
Undoubtedly, both fighters are among the best in the division, and a trilogy between them only appears to be an inevitable and compelling prospect. However, it is still to be seen who will Dustin Poirier fight in UFC 300. Do let us know in the comments.