Dustin Poirier sheds light on being a backup fighter for Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski
UFC lightweight Dustin Poirier has confirmed he'd be open to being the backup fighter for UFC 284's main event between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski.
Whilst there has been no official confirmation yet by the UFC for a back-up fighter, there's no need to look further than Poirier. 'The Diamond' is currently ranked No.2 in the division and is coming off the back of a Fight of the Night submission victory against Michael Chandler at UFC 281.
4: Dustin Poirier vs Michael Chandler https://t.co/kfzp6AsuiI
The 33-year-old is also a former interim lightweight title holder but has failed to capture official gold on two occasions. Poirier faced Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira in his quest for the title but fell to a third-round rear-naked choke defeat in each of those fights.
In an interview with BroBible, Dustin Poirier was asked about Volkanovski's chances at UFC 284 and whether or not he'd be interested in stepping in:
"I think Volkanovski's going to be a little undersized for 155 but he can still win it, he can still do it. He's beat some great 145'ers. He beat Max Holloway a few times. We'll see, but I think he'll be a little undersized."
On his willingness to be a back-up fighter, Poirier stated:
"I would never say never, but they haven't reached out to me yet."
Catch the full interview here:
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Lightweight contender Beneil Dariush wants Dustin Poirier or Charles Oliveira next
Beneil Dariush is in a precarious spot in the division thanks in part to Alexander Volkanovski's chase to become a multi-divisional champ.
If 'The Great' did not make the step up to lightweight and face Islam Makhachev, the No.4-ranked Dariush would likely be facing the Russian champion in his first title defense.
Whilst biding his time for a first title shot, 'Benny' has been building a seriously impressive streak at 155lbs. The 33-year-old has won his last eight fights in a row, knocking off elite competition, including Tony Ferguson and Mateusz Gamrot.
Beneil Dariush drops Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 280 https://t.co/ndOolCvY9Y
In an interview with Gavin Porter of UFC.com, Dariush stated that he's not willing to wait around for a title shot and wants either Charles Oliveira or Dustin Poirier next:
"I have the option of waiting and fighting the winner, but if Volkanovski wins and decides to defend his featherweight belt, I might end up waiting a whole year and maybe I end up fighting in 2024. I don’t think there is anybody who can jump in front of me right now, but my job is winning fights, so let’s fight Dustin Poirier or Charles Oliveira. March is a good timetable for me."
Catch the full interview here:
:“If I continue to fight the toughest guys - I don’t necessarily mean that in terms of the rankings - and I defeat them, I could step into greatness.”
Beneil Dariush (@BeneilDariush) is excited about what's to come in 2023 ⤵️:
ufc.com/news/beneil-da…