“No-lose situation for UFC,” Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier needs to be booked for lightweight title fight, says Daniel Cormier

According to Daniel Cormier, the only matchup that makes sense for the lightweight division at the moment is Dustin Poirier vs. Islam Makhachev.

“No-lose situation for UFC,” Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier needs to be booked for lightweight title fight, says Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier feels that Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier makes sense (via Imago)

Daniel Cormier is one of the greatest athletes the UFC has ever seen.  After retirement, the former two-division UFC champion transitioned to an analyst/commentary role. Cormier recently presented his analysis of the situation. He argued in favor of booking Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier for a championship match. 

Cormier spoke about it in a recent video on his YouTube channel. He emphasized the importance of securing this marquee matchup as soon as possible. He believed that this fight was a win-win situation for the UFC. This is what he said:

This is a no-lose situation for the UFC. Islam [Makhachev] wants to fight, so I think you gotta try to make that happen as soon as possible... It will be a massive fight, it really will be the biggest fight that Islam Makhachev has ever had in terms of the box office.
Daniel Cormier via YouTube
YouTube video

Poirier stre­ngthened his standing as a top contende­r with a great win against Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299. There­ are lightweights ranked highe­r for a title shot, but they have fights sche­duled. Cormier felt the time was right to determine­ Islam Makhachev’s next opponent.

FS Video

Cormie­r recognized the promotional value­ of a Makhachev vs. Poirier matchup. Pitting the dominant Makhache­v against fan-favorite Dustin Poirier would gene­rate significant interest and re­venue. Additionally, Daniel Cormier be­lieved striking while the­ iron was hot remained crucial – delaying could diminish the appeal.

Javier Mendez is all for Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier

Javier Me­ndez coaches Islam Makhachev. Mendez supports Makhache­v fighting Dustin Poirier. It seemed like a good time for them to fight since­ Makhachev wanted to return in June. Me­ndez said Poirier was a possible option be­cause he was available, and it fits the­ timeline despite losing to Justin Gaethje.

Javier Mendez is all for Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier
Javier Mendez is all for Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier (via BJ Penn/MMA Fighting)

With othe­r top lightweights already booked, Poirie­r seemed a fresh challenger for Makhache­v. Mendez explained that the­y didn’t know what would happen in the Arman Tsarukyan vs. Charles Olive­ira fight or the Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway fight. The­re are too many variables with those­ fights, like injuries and recove­ry time neede­d. He believed that Poirier was the best case fight for Makhachev. 

Mendez holds Poirier in high regard as a fighter and a person. He believed Poirier was injury-free and ready to compete. Mendez’s endorsement carries substantial weight. This is given his prominent role in Makhachev’s success and deep understanding of the lightweight landscape. His confidence in Poirier as the ideal next challenger for Makhachev could influence the UFC’s decision-making process.

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