Dustin Poirier surprised UFC took "10-11 months" to book his next fight, addresses "collision course" with Michael Chandler
Dustin Poirier recently weighed in on his upcoming matchup against Michael Chandler and also expressed his surprise over how long it took for the UFC to book him for a fight.
Speaking to Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports, 'The Diamond' stated:
"I'm surprised it took so long, you know, it's been 10-11 months since my last fight... I don't even know what took so long to get this fight booked... I guess the UFC didn't see things lining up in certain ways... I'm not sure but I'm glad I have a fight."
The Louisiana native was then asked about his animosity with Michael Chandler going into their fight at UFC 281. Poirier stated that he believes it began at UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi. 'The Diamond' was asked about fighting Chandler but he brushed it off, which may have led to Chandler feeling snubbed.
Poirier and Chandler also shared a very heated moment at UFC 276, exchanging words while passing by each other.
Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler exchanging words in the crowd at UFC 276 ππ
(via @GilbertDurinho) https://t.co/4rmxG7hOab
However, 'The Diamond' feels that since they are in the same weight class, a "collision course" was to be expected. Coming off a loss to Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier is also looking to redeem himself against someone he believes is a tough opponent:
"We're in the same division, we're on a collision course, this is fighting, that's just what it is... Heβs a former world champion. Heβs one of the best 155-pounders in the world, so heβs a very, very tough opponent."
Watch Poirier's full interview below:
Dustin Poirier comments on Islam Makhachev's performance against Charles Oliveira
Poirier was asked about his opinion on Islam Makhachev's performance against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. 'The Diamond' claimed that he was very impressed by the new lightweight champion, especially with his striking:
"He went in there and did it as smoothly as you could possibly go out there and do it, no marks, no cuts, no bruises... he hurt Charles, and he put him away in his own game."
Dustin Poirier was impressed with Islam's performance https://t.co/GA7VHBUMHP
Dustin Poirier went on to share his thoughts on potentially fighting for the lightweight belt if he beats Chandler:
"I feel like my track record and my work speaks for itself. I don't need to get on a platform and beg for a title shot. I'm gonna go out there and fight next weekend and let the cards fall where they may."