In an ideal world which unfortunately this isn’t, #3 ranked lightweight Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier after finishes of three former world champs in Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje and Eddie Alvarez, certainly deserves a title shot.
Poirier took to Twitter claiming that he won’t answer the call unless it’s a title shot or at least a money fight. (via Twitter):
Put Gold on the line or open up the check book otherwise don't even call my phone. @ufc
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) February 18, 2019
The stacked (and somewhat stubborn) nature of the lightweight division has always impacted Poirier in a negative way. Poirier’s pathway for the gold was always complicated, however was relatively easy earlier.
The winner of the UFC 229 bout between champ Khabib Nurmagomedov and former double champ Conor McGregor (which later happened to be Nurmagomedov), would face the front runner Tony Ferguson. Poirier would further wait for the winner or fight someone notable midway. The opportunity did present itself in fan favorite Nate Diaz. Poirier was slated to fight Diaz at UFC 230 in November however had to pull out citing a minor hip injury.
With Nurmagomedov potentially out and slated to return in November due to UFC 229 chaos, an interim belt is in discussion. However an another man has joined the conversation in former two-time lightweight title challenger Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone. There are rumours circulating of McGregor and Cowboy potentially fighting for the interim title, which has even Ferguson stagnated and further Poirier.
UFC President Dana White’s idea of a tournament style pattern does not feature Poirier as well making it extremely unfair for him. Keeping in mind the resume Poirier has gathered, his demand for a title shot or a money fight certainly makes sense. Poirier is obviously eyeing an interim title fight against Tony Ferguson and a rematch against Conor McGregor.
Recently a frustrated Poirier is also campaigning for a UFC 236 fight against #4 ranked Al Iaquinta in June.
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