Former interim light-weight champion, Dustin Poirier seems to have his curiosity piqued because the rumors of a divisional transfer for present featherweight kingpin, Ilia Topuria — seemingly endorsing a matchup with the explosive fighter within the new 12 months.
Poirier, the present quantity 4 rated light-weight challenger, has been out of motion because the starting of June, most lately headlining UFC 302 in a title combat for undisputed spoils in opposition to pound-for-pound primary, Islam Makhachev.
Dropping a close-fought fifth spherical D’Arce choke submission loss to the Russian, former interim kingpin, Dustin Poirier has confirmed in current months his plans to compete a minimum of twice extra within the Octagon — notably if afforded the chance to combat in his native Louisana once more.
As for Topuria, the undisputed light-weight champion headlined UFC 308 again in October, delivering a surprising knockout victory over common-foe, Max Holloway — changing into the primary fighter to cease the Hawaiian with strikes in skilled blended martial arts.
Nonetheless, this week, Georgian-Spaniard striker, Topuria revealed plans to probably ditch his featherweight crown, calling out former light-weight champion, Charles Oliveira — with views to a everlasting light-weight climb.
“We need to talk about it and take a look at my future, but for me, it’s very clear how I want to do it,” Ilia Topuria mentioned. “I’d like to move up to the next weight class, and since Islam [Makhachev] is the champion fighting in January, and he won’t be ready for April or May, I’d like to fight against the No. 1 contender right now, who’s Charles Oliveira… I’m 27; I hope to be out by 30.”
Dustin Poirier open to conflict with Ilia Topuria in light-weight debut
And reacting to a put up on social media wherein a fan advised Topuria ought to face off with Lafayette striker, Dustin Poirier sooner or later if he makes good on a rumored transfer — the latter reposted the remark, endorsing a fan-favorite pairing between the duo.
