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Daniel Cormier Explains Why Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier Is 'Win-Win' For The UFC: 'Book It Right Now!'

Originally posted on MMA News | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated 3/27/24

Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier thinks the promotion should waste no time in confirming Dustin Poirier as Islam Makhachev's next opponent.

Having turned down the chance to challenge for welterweight gold at UFC 300 next month due to Ramadan, Makhachev is looking ahead to June for his return to competition.

The timing has left some uncertainty regarding the title picture at 155 pounds, with Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and Justin Gaethje all set to compete just two months before at UFC 300.

That's left a surprise shot for Poirier on the table following his memorable knockout win over Benoît Saint Denis at UFC 299 in Miami earlier this month.

Although his loss to Gaethje last year has left many dismissing "The Diamond" as a worthy and deserving opponent, Makhachev has welcomed the challenge owing to his desire to get back to action soon.

And as talk of the possible showdown continues on social media, Cormier has shown his firm support for the matchup...

Cormier 'Loves' Potential Makhachev vs. Poirier Fight

During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Cormier gave his take on the current lightweight championship conversation and the continuation of Makhachev and Poirier's paths seemingly aligning.

More than just suggesting that the bout makes sense given the circumstances, "DC" insisted that it's a "win-win" scenario for the UFC regardless of who were to emerge victorious.

"You have to fight those names to elevate the next guy," Cormier said. "For Dustin Poirier, this is a massive opportunity. If you asked 100 people, 'Who do you think wins, Islam or Dustin?' I bet you about 90 of those people are gonna tell you Makhachev. But what if Dustin Poirier wins? ... Look, Islam has looked damn near unbeatable... But we have seen Dustin Poirier do things over the entire course of a career that is unexpected from him.

"It's a win-win situation for the UFC. 1,000 percent, win-win situation. If Dustin Poirier wins, now Dustin Poirier is right back at the forefront of fighting by beating one of the more dominant champions," Cormier continued. "If he loses, now you've got a champion who just out two title defenses over Alexander Volkanovski in front of a win over Dustin Poirier, with Charles Oliveira or Arman Tsarukyan waiting in the wings, or Justin Gaethje... Think about the run Makhachev could have if he's able to put all these fights behind each other... You gotta try to make that happen as soon as possible. It works... I love it. Book it, right now. Book it! Makhachev versus Poirier."

Poirier has previously fallen short of the lightweight crown on two occasions. Although he won the interim strap with a victory over Max Holloway, "The Diamond" was denied undisputed status by both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira.

Having had his title ambitions rejuvenated by his triumph at the Kaseya Center on March 9, perhaps Poirier will have the chance to make it third time lucky this summer.