Dustin Poirier believes Ilia Topuria should receive an immediate title shot against Islam Makhachev in the lightweight division after vacating his featherweight title, despite debates on whether Topuria should first face another top contender.
Dustin Poirier believes Ilia Topuria deserves a title shot against Islam Makhachev after vacating the featherweight belt. Bold move, right?
Just this past Wednesday, UFC CEO Dana White dropped a bombshell. He announced Topuria’s decision to vacate the featherweight title to step up to 155 pounds. This leaves Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes battling it out for the now-vacant belt at UFC 314 in April.
While hanging out at Galaxy Experience Space in NYC, Poirier shared his thoughts on Topuria’s decision to relinquish the 145-pound title. Quite an eventful day!
“I mean, it’s respectful,” Poirier told MMA Fighting. “It’s honorable to vacate the belt, to not hold up the division where guys have been working so hard to get their shot at the title. He’s doing it the right way.”
Poirier hasn’t seen Topuria in person yet but hears he’s a heavy guy. Can he really make 145? Some lightweights are massive!
Since White’s announcement, there’s been a heated debate. Should Topuria get an immediate shot at Makhachev’s title or face another top lightweight first? Opinions are flying.
Makhachev’s management team tweeted their thoughts: maybe Topuria should fight someone like Poirier or Charles Oliveira first. But hey, others think Topuria wouldn’t make this leap without some promise of a title shot.
If Poirier had his way, Topuria wouldn’t need a tune-up fight. Straight to the top!
“That’s tough to say,” Poirier admitted. “Especially with all of the contenders and how crazy the lightweight division’s been lately. But for a guy like him, vacating the belt and moving up after finishing Max Holloway like that? I’d give him a crack at the lightweight title right off the bat.”