UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is in prime condition and eager to step into the octagon, viewing Dustin Poirier as the most suitable opponent for his desired timeline.
Makhachev expressed his intention to defend his 155-pound title in March, but the promotion informed him that no opponent was available. Instead, they proceeded to schedule pivotal divisional matchups between Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan for UFC 300 on April 13.
In an interview with MMA Junkie on Thursday, Makhachev stated:
“Now I’m healthy. I told them I will be ready in March, but they asked me to fight in beginning of February – that time I had a small injury, I wasn’t 100 percent. But I told them in March I will be ready. But they say, ‘In March, we don’t have any options.’ I said, ‘OK, I have the belt. Just give someone. I will be ready.’”
Makhachev emphasized that he remains committed to his training regimen and eagerly awaits news of a fight offer and a confirmed date. This has been his routine for several weeks. However, following Poirier’s impressive second-round knockout victory over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299 last weekend, Makhachev and his team have intensified their efforts to secure a showdown with “The Diamond,” ideally at UFC 302, scheduled for June 1.
“I know Dustin does not deserve the title fight, but we don’t have any option right now. Everybody is busy. I want to fight. I want to fight three times this year. I have to call out someone, and Poirier is free now. He showed an excellent performance and scored a beautiful knockout. He’s free now, he’s healthy, and I asked him to fight in June.”
While it could be argued that the victors of Gaethje vs. Holloway and Oliveira vs. Tsarukyan deserve precedence in the title shot queue over Poirier, such decisions often hinge on timing. Makhachev is skeptical that any other contenders would be prepared for a fight on June 1 with less than two months’ notice, making Poirier the standout choice.
“No one (else) is going to be ready. Maybe someone will be ready, but I have to fight. I don’t care. I am healthy now, I am training every day, and I need someone.
“He’s beat a lot of top guys. He’s a legend. A fight with him, it’s going to be good for me – for the history, for everything. He’s a legend. He beat a lot of tough guys. He’s a tough opponent, too. He have a good guillotine.”
As of now, Makhachev has not received a response from the UFC regarding his request to face Poirier. He anticipates a challenging fight if the matchup materializes, particularly if Poirier opts for his renowned guillotine technique.
“I will take him down, he will try the guillotine, and I will take his back and choke him,” Makhachev said. “That’s it.”
More must-reads: