Ali Abdelaziz, the renowned manager of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, is vocal about Dustin Poirier’s potential shot at the title after his impressive knockout victory over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299.
Poirier entered the fight on the heels of a knockout loss to Justin Gaethje in July. Despite being the underdog against Saint-Denis, Poirier showcased resilience. While Saint-Denis found initial success in the first round, Poirier turned the tide with a decisive uppercut, culminating in a second-round knockout victory.
Abdelaziz highlights the timing of potential matchups, with Gaethje scheduled to face Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira set to battle Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 in April. Given the timeframe, Abdelaziz advocates for Poirier to be next in line for the lightweight title, as Makhachev eyes a return in June.
“Dustin Poirier took a huge risk tonight and came out on top and looked amazing. Dustin vs @MAKHACHEVMMA in June especially since everyone else has fights. If the UFC is good with this then Islam would be game,” Abdelaziz expressed.
Considering Gaethje, Oliveira, and Tsarukyan’s booked matches, Poirier emerges as a logical choice for the title shot. However, the UFC’s intentions regarding this matchup remain uncertain. They might opt to delay Makhachev’s return until Gaethje or the winner of Oliveira-Tsarukyan becomes available.
Following his victory at UFC 299, Poirier expressed eagerness to challenge Makhachev for the lightweight title in his next outing.
“That’s the only reason I’m fighting. I started fighting to be the world champion, to be the best in the world, undisputed. We have to see. I have to get home, talk to my coaches, my wife, and my management, and we’ll see what’s next. I don’t know. But yes, I’ve done a lot in this sport. I’m not trying to brag, but I’ve done a lot in this sport. I’ve been fighting for a long time. I think this was around my 50th MMA fight, and I’ve done a lot, checked a lot of boxes. But there’s still one box unchecked, and that’s being a world champion,” Poirier articulated at the UFC 299 post-fight press conference.
Subsequently, Poirier took to social media to echo his interest in facing Makhachev in June.
“Islam in June,” Poirier tweeted.
With his victory over Benoit Saint-Denis, Poirier’s professional record stands at 30 wins, 8 losses, and one No Contest.
