UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier suggested that Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler are fighting each other for the vacant title.
The race for the UFC lightweight title is high in the wake of Poirier’s knockout victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 257. With UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, will almost certainly retire in the coming weeks and leave the belt, Poirier – the self-proclaimed “Uncrowned World Champion” – expected to be half of whatever the next lightweight title fight is, but his opponent is still in the air, with McGregor, Chandler, Oliveira and Nate Diaz all realistic options.
Speaking to MMAjunkie.com, Poirier said he is not sure what the UFC wants to do right now. He said he hasn’t started talking about his next fight yet and said he now wants to step back and look at the division. While overseeing the country, Poirier said the UFC could continue with a vacant title fight between Oliveira and Chandler. If that’s what the UFC wants, Poirier will give his blessing for it.
“I want to be world champion, and Charles is a man who paid his money. He has earned where he is, no doubt about that. Have him and Chandler fight for the belt. If they want Chandler there for the title, and he’s calling for the title. Let them fight for the belt. I take a step back and watch, ”said Poirier.
Oliveira has won eight consecutive fights and comes off a one-sided win over Tony Ferguson, so he deserves to fight for the title, but he’s made it clear he wants Poirier next. As for Chandler, he’s coming off a one-time KO win over Dan Hooker in his UFC debut. He’s won three consecutive fights by knockout dating back to his Bellator run and deserves to fight for the belt too. Both deserve to fight for the title.
But for most MMA fans, the thought that Poirier isn’t halfway through the next UFC lightweight title won’t suit them well. But again, he is the uncrowned champion for a reason. And until the best option for him comes up, he has no problem waiting for the best potential matchup.
Do you like Dustin Poirier’s idea of a vacant title fight between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler?
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM