Dustin Poirier announces intention to return to the octagon
Three months on from his fight-of-the-night display, Dustin Poirier has announced his intention on returning to the octagon and has urged the UFC to book him a fight.
'The Diamond' guaranteed a great performance when he stepped in against Michael Chandler at UFC 281 late last year and delivered on his promise. Although it didn't go as smoothly as he wanted, the back-and-forth brawl came to an end when the 34-year-old became the first man to ever submit the former Bellator man.
In response to a fan on social media who insisted he was "patiently waiting" for a Dustin Poirier fight announcement, the lightweight called out the UFC as he is seemingly ready to make his return to the cage.
What's good @ufc ? twitter.com/PicoDeGuyY0/st…
Despite never holding undisputed gold in the promotion, Poirier has been an ever-present contender since moving up from featherweight back in April 2015. Scoring three knockouts and a decision victory in his first four outings in 155 lbs, the veteran had unquestionably found a home in his new weight class
With wins over Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje, and Eddie Alvarez, alongside two victories against Conor McGregor, it's certain he is one of the best fighters on the UFC roster.
Dustin Poirier's next fight: Who's available for the lightweight standout?
Although he sits at #2 in the division, Dustin Poirier finds himself in an unfavorable situation and must now sit on the sidelines or risk his ranking to a much lower-ranked fighter if he wants to compete.
Despite scoring a finish over him last time out, it seems Chandler landed on his feet following their bout last year. He has been awarded The Ultimate Fighter coaching spot and subsequent fight alongside Conor McGregor.
With Charles Oliveira matched up against Beneil Dariush, Justin Gaethje set to collide with Rafael Fiziev, and the aforementioned TUF coaches matchup, the promotion is running out of options for Dustin Poirier.
The only men placed inside the top 10 at lightweight without a booking are #8-ranked Arman Tsarukyan and #9-ranked Rafael dos Anjos, but as both are only riding one-fight win streaks, it's arguably unlikely that the star will welcome those bouts.