Tensions are starting to rise between Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev.
It’s not the lightweight title fight everybody was expecting in 2024, but it’s the one UFC fans might have to settle for as there’s a serious lack of available contenders right now. Poirier is coming off a highlight-reel knockout of Benoit Saint-Denis in his last outing at UFC 299.
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) March 11, 2024
While Makhachev plans to fight Poirier in June, he previously said ‘The Diamond’ isn’t all that deserving of a title shot in an interview with MMA Junkie. Poirier has since responded, claiming his body of work outweighs the defending champ’s.
“I’ve done more in the sport of mixed martial arts than [Makhachev] has,” Poirier told USA TODAY. “I’ve been around for a long time. I was doing this before it was cool and I’m still here, doing it at the highest level. I could beat anybody in the world and I hope he’s next.”
Poirier is 0-2 in undisputed title fights, falling short against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. Makhachev made sure to remind the UFC veteran of that fact and his place in the division.
“Dustin if you could beat anybody, you’d be holding this belt right now, not me,” Makhachev wrote on ‘X’.
“His level is: permanent contender 
how many title losses, 2? 3?”
Dustin if you could beat anybody, you'd be holding this belt right now, not me
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) March 25, 2024
His level is: permanent contender
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) March 25, 2024
Perhaps the third time will finally be the charm for former title challenger Dustin Poirier if he collides with Islam Makhachev this summer.
