Russian champion CFU lightweight Islam Makhachev said he was forced to accept a title fight with Dustin Poirier but noted that the fight with the Americans would bring him glory.
Previously, Makhachev and Poirier agreed to fight in June. On Saturday, Poirier knocked out Frenchman Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299 in Miami. Makhachev had his last fight in October 2023, when he knocked out Australian Alex Volkanovski and defended his championship belt.
“I told the UFC I would be ready in March, but they offered me a fight in early February – so I had a slight injury. I wasn’t 100%. But in March I told them I’d be ready. But they said, ‘We don’t have any options in March.’ I said, ‘Okay, I have the belt. Just give me someone.’ I’ll be ready”.
I know Dustin doesn’t deserve a title shot, but we have no other choice right now. Everyone is busy. I want to fight. I want to have three fights this year. I have to call someone, Poirier is free now. He showed an excellent fight and scored a magnificent knockout. Now he’s free, healthy, and I asked him to fight in June.
Dustin is a legend. A fight with him will be good for me – for the story, for everything. He beat a lot of tough guys. He is also a formidable opponent. He has a good guillotine. But if he tries to use it, I will grab his back and choke him,” Makhachev said, as quoted by MMA Junkie.
Poirier has 30 wins and eight losses. Makhachev has held the UFC champion title since fall 2022. In total, the Russian has 25 victories in 26 mixed martial arts fights.
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Source : MatchTV
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
