UFC lightweight fighter Dustin Poirier suggested that Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler fight for the vacant title.
The UFC lightweight title race is high after Poirier’s knockout victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 257. With UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov almost guaranteed to retire in the next few weeks and leave the belt, Poirier – the auto -titled “crownless world champion” – it is expected to be half of whatever the next lightweight title fight is. His opponent, however, is still in the air, with McGregor, Chandler, Oliveira and Nate Diaz all realistic options.
Speaking to MMAjunkie.com, Poirier said he is not sure what the UFC wants to do next. He said he has not yet started talking about his next fight and said he now wants to step back and watch the division. While Poirier surveys the terrain, he said the UFC could move on with the vacant title fight between Oliveira and Chandler. If that’s what the UFC wants, then Poirier is giving his blessing.
“I want to be the world champion, and Charles is a guy who paid his debts. He definitely deserves where he is. Let him and Chandler fight over the belt. If they want Chandler for the title, and he’s asking for the title. Let them fight for the belt. I’m going to step back and just watch, ”said Poirier.
Oliveira has eight consecutive wins and comes from a one-sided victory over Tony Ferguson, so he is very deserving of fighting for the title, but made it clear that he wants the next poirier. As for Chandler, he is coming out of a KO win with a punch over Dan Hooker on his UFC debut. He has won three consecutive knockout fights since the season at Bellator and also deserves to fight for the belt. Both deserve to fight for the title.
But for most MMA fans, the idea of Poirier not being halfway through the next UFC lightweight title will not please them. Then again, he is the champion without a crown for a reason. And until the best option comes to him, he has no problem waiting for the best potential match.
Did you like Dustin Poirier’s idea of a vague title fight between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler?
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM