ABU DHABI – Dustin Poirier thinks that nothing came out of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s meeting with Dana White.
During the UFC’s third stint at “Ilha da Luta” in Abu Dhabi, the recently retired lightweight champion met with White to discuss his future. Then the UFC president stated that Nurmagomedov said he would be open to returning if one of the top lightweights really impressed him.
With a massive lightweight showdown between Poirier (26-6 MMA, 18-5 UFC) and Conor McGregor as the headliner of the UFC 257 event on Saturday, a new No. 1 contender is likely to be cemented.
Despite all this, Poirier thinks that the title image remains obscure.
“I thought we would have some clarity about whether he was retired or not,” said Poirier to MMA Junkie. “I didn’t think it would be a gray (area). I thought it would be black or white, yes or no. We are in almost the same position as we were before the meeting. “
Since Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA, 13-0 UFC) never officially left the championship, Poirier did not expect his rematch against McGregor to be for the title, but he certainly sees big implications with a win.
“I didn’t think it would be a belt played in this one because Dana already said that there is no way this fight could be for a belt, so I believed him when he said that,” said Poirier. “I think the winner of this fight is the next fight for the belt. I think everyone knows that. But I would like to have a definitive answer, but everything is fine. It is what it is. I have to fight first.
“The plan is to beat Conor McGregor by any means necessary. Blood and courage and fight for the world title again. “