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After an electrifying victory over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299, Dustin Poirier found himself frustrated by the lack of clarity in the Lightweight division. However, his path to a title shot may have just become clearer thanks to an intriguing challenge from Islam Makhachev's manager.
Following Poirier's impressive win, Islam Makhachev's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, took to Twitter with a bold proposition. It was a direct call-out to Poirier, suggesting a potential showdown between the two top contenders.
Poirier didn't hesitate to respond, echoing the sentiment with his tweet: "Islam in June," accompanied by a nose-steam emoticon for emphasis. With both fighters seemingly eager for the matchup, fans are buzzing with anticipation.
The proposed timeframe for the bout aligns with three UFC events scheduled for June: UFC 302 on June 1, UFC Riyadh on June 22, and UFC 303 on June 29. While the exact event remains uncertain, speculation suggests that Makhachev's popularity in the Middle East could make him a natural fit for the UFC Riyadh card.
However, there's a catch. UFC President Dana White previously stated that the Saudi Arabia event would not feature a championship fight. This poses a potential obstacle to Makhachev and Poirier's hopes for a title bout.
Despite these challenges, the timing seems right for Poirier to step into the octagon with Makhachev. With other top contenders like Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira tied up with fights at UFC 300, Poirier emerges as the most viable option to challenge Makhachev for Lightweight supremacy.
Makhachev's desire to compete in June aligns perfectly with Poirier's availability, making their matchup an attractive prospect for UFC matchmakers. As options dwindle for both fighters, a clash between Makhachev and Poirier could provide the spark the Lightweight division needs.
In the high-stakes world of MMA, every fight carries immense significance. For Makhachev and Poirier, a showdown in June could determine their paths to championship glory. As the MMA community awaits further developments, one thing is certain: the prospect of Makhachev vs. Poirier is a tantalizing proposition for fans worldwide.