Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier bout confirmed after UFC champ’s cryptic post?

The UFC’s lightweight division boasts prominent names such as Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, Arman Tsarukyan, and Michael Chandler in the top 5, with Islam Makhachev reigning supreme as the pound-for-pound king.

Makhachev does not have an opponent lined up for his next title defense yet, but all the aforementioned names have a chance to challenge the champion. Will it be Dustin Poirier after his massive victory at UFC 299? Will it be Oliveira, Tsarukyan, or Gaethje stepping inside the octagon at UFC 300?

Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier title bout confirmed?

Dustin Poirier made a statement at UFC 299 with a second-round knockout of Benoit Saint-Denis, who was on a five-finish streak. Before the fight at UFC 299, conversations between Poirier and Ali Abdelaziz, the manager of Makhachev, were leaked, hinting at a title shot if victorious at UFC 299, as per Pinkvilla.

Now, recent social media activity between Makhachvev and Poirier suggests a potential title fight in June. “Islam in June 😤,” tweeted Poirier, to which Makhachev reposted with the tweet, “🤝⚔️.” The UFC has blockbuster events planned for June, with 2 PPV events and the promotion’s debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Ali Abdelaziz had also tweeted his interest in making the fight happen after Poirier’s victory. The MMA manager made a point by stating that other worthy contenders will not be ready to face Makhachev in June, particularly as they all are fighting in April.

Makhachev has not fought since he defended the title at UFC 294 against Alexander Volkanovski. The lightweight champion has expressed his interest to fight 3 times in 2024 but scheduling conflicts have extended his return to the octagon.

Does Dustin Poirier deserve title shot after UFC 299 win?

Even though Dustin Poirier secured a statement victory at UFC 299, it doesn’t necessarily make him the most worthy contender in the lightweight division. Poirier is not on a winning streak and has lost twice in his previous 4 fights, against Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira, respectively.

However, Justin Gaethje is set to face Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira will be up against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 in April. Given the violent nature of these fighters, it’s highly unlikely that they will emerge unscathed after UFC 300.

Fight fans felt that there were deserving candidates other than Poirier for Islam Makhachev but the lightweight champion stated that he had been waiting for a long time and thus wanted to fight sooner rather than later.

Mateusz Gamrot, the backup for UFC 294, also fought at UFC 299 where he earned a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Dos Anjos. Gamrot had also called out Islam Makhachev.

Do you think Dustin Poirier deserves the next title shot at lightweight against Islam Makhachev? Leave your thoughts below!