Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight is linked to Ilia Topuria in NEW TWIST, claims UFC double champ

Former featherweight champ and soon-lightweight Ilia Topuria might end up being UFC veteran Dustin Poirier's retirement fight.

Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight is linked to Ilia Topuria in NEW TWIST, claims UFC double champ

Ilia Topuria linked to Dustin Poirier legend's fight (Source: IMAGO/X)

Dustin Poirier has remained a bona fide legend of the game, scrapping at MMA grounds since 2009. After three failed 155-pound title bids, one attempt at the “BMF” silver, and holding one interim belt, Poirier wants to end his career on a high. The Louisiana lightweight is gunning for a home-ground battle. One weird name that is suddenly in the running to be his last fight is Ilia Topuria!

Ilia Topuria is relinquishing his 145-pound title gold to go up to lightweight limits and is already shooting for gold. Dustin Poirier said he wanted a ‘legends-only fight’ to see leave the fight game. Before his move up, Topuria’s name in UFC databases has changed to “La Leyenda,” i.e., legend! Former UFC two-division champ Henry Cejudo made the connection between the two storylines.

Of course, and then, if I think about it—Dustin Poirier did say he’s only fighting legends for his retirement fight, and Ilia Topuria just changed his name to ‘The Legend’…Hey, we are probably on to something…

Henry Cejudo via The Bohnfire, Ep. 26

Make no mistake — Dustin Poirier vs. Topuria in a boxer vs. boxer bout is an exciting one. ‘Diamond’ was a UFC 308 PPV Post-fight panel analyst, where he lauded the crisp boxer as the current best in the roster. Hard chin Max Holloway with his 69″ reach and tremendous pace were to be big factors. However, Topuria won that affair. Ever since, this pure skills test again has been a dream scenario for many.

In certain ways, it would fit the puzzle; Porier was a recent title challenger who lost to champ Islam Makhachev in his third defense. Topuria had plans of a 155-pound top contender matchup vs. former champion Charles Oliveira.

Both Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan are vying for gold track; Justin Gaethje wants the title shot as well. A #5 lightweight on the UFC athlete listings, a win over Poirier hoists Ilia Topuria to the top spot just like he wanted. It remains to be seen if this ‘Mystic Cejudo’ moments comes true.

Henry Cejudo thinks Khabib Nurmagomedov to prevent Makhachev vs. Topuria from happening

Dustin Poirier is one thing; he has been through the grate facing a murderer’s row of top crops. Whatever way it goes, he might just hit it home big. But what of Topuria, though? Post-UFC 314 PPV card, Ilia Topuria will again be a lightweight. However, UFC CEO Dana White has said they were still working out as to who is first opponent will be. ‘Triple C’ Cejudo played his ‘mystic’ card here as well.

Ilia Topuria's second UFC run at lightweight may see some barrages
Ilia Topuria’s second UFC run at lightweight may see some barrages (Source: X)

Despite reluctance from the rival, Topuria yet again jumped the gun and hyped up a Makhachev PPV title fight. However, Cejudo considered Khabib Nurmagomedov could play spoiler in this matchup.

I remember talking to Khabib, and Khabib said it’s not fair for Ilia to skip the line and go after the title shot with Islam because that’s all Islam’s been doing, …He gave Volkanovski a couple [shots] …So I don’t even think it’s going to be Islam’s choice. I think Khabib is going to step in and be like, ‘He needs to fight the No. 1 contender.’

Henry Cejudo further said on The Bohnfire, Ep. 26

This past December, Cejudo had a chat with Nurmagomedov; during the vlog, the Dagestani said he did not want Makhachev defending against another featherweight. To that end, ‘The Eagle’ wasn’t happy with Ilia Topuria not being battle-tested and getting a UFC 155-pound title crack at first. Immediate shot or not, fighting Topuria would also bring back the 145-pound weight bully narrative for Makhachev.

Cejudo mentioned Khabib said giving Topuria a chance if he got past a No. 1 contender. However, he billed Gaethje vs. Makhachev a bigger bet for International Fight Week. The IFW festivities shoot up on 26 June in Las Vegas with UFC X (again) and HOF in tow. The event ends with a UFC 317 PPV card on 28 June at the T-Mobile Arena. Other names are also in the running, gunning for Makhachev’s gold.

Related: Ilia Topuria gets Dustin Poirier co-sign for dream fight despite Islam Makhachev rejection