Islam Makhachev explains why he accepted Dustin Poirier fight despite ‘The Diamond’ being undeserving

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has explained why he’s open to defending his belt against Dustin Poirier.

Last weekend at UFC 299, Dustin Poirier scored a beautiful knockout win over Benoit Saint-Denis. The veteran overcame some early adversity and got it done in the second round, cementing himself as a real contender at 155 pounds once again.

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He is, of course, interested in a showdown with Islam Makhachev. However, with a handful of other fighters also in the mix, four of whom will be fighting each other at UFC 300, some had doubts over whether or not this was a genuine possibility.

However, Islam has made it clear he’s interested. In a recent interview, he explained why that’s the case.

Makhachev wants Poirier

“I know Dustin does not deserve the title fight, but we don’t have any option right now,” Makhachev said. “Everybody is busy. I want to fight. I want to fight three times this year. I have to call out someone, and Poirier is free now. He showed an excellent performance and scored a beautiful knockout. He’s free now, he’s healthy, and I asked him to fight in June.”

“No one (else) is going to be ready,” Makhachev said. “Maybe someone will be ready, but I have to fight. I don’t care. I am healthy now, I am training every day, and I need someone.

“He’s beat a lot of top guys. He’s a legend. A fight with him, it’s going to be good for me – for the history, for everything. He’s a legend. He beat a lot of tough guys. He’s a tough opponent, too. He have a good guillotine.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

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