Dustin
Poirier has seemingly altered the lightweight title picture
with his victory over Benoit St.
Denis in the UFC
299 co-main event on Saturday.
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The lightweight contender was an underdog going into his clash
against an unranked St. Denis. After surviving high pace and
pressure from the Frenchman in the opening frame, Poirier came from
behind to score a brutal knockout in the second round.
Having bounced back from a knockout loss against Justin
Gaethje in perfect fashion, Poirier called for a title shot
against Islam
Makhachev in June.
Islam in June 😤
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier)
March 10, 2024
Makhachev, meanwhile, was impressed by Poirier’s performance and
praised him on social media.
Very impressive Dustin 👏🏻💎
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA)
March 10, 2024
Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, later claimed on social media
that the reigning lightweight champ “would be game” to defendhis
strap against “The Diamond” 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.— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00)
March 10, 2024
There is some validity to Abelaziz’s statement. Gaethje, who was
believed to be the top contender at 155 pounds, is scheduled to
defend his BMF title against Max
Holloway at UFC 300 on April 13. That card will also include a
lightweight title eliminator between Charles
Oliveira and Arman
Tsarukyan. If June proves to be too quick of a turnaround for
any of those lightweights, Poirier could be next in line to face
Makhachev.