MMA Knockout

Dustin Poirier Reveals Who He’d Fight Next Following UFC 302 Loss to Islam Makhachev

The former UFC interim lightweight champion is eying some prominent names at 155, including a fourth fight with Conor McGregor.

Zain Bando

Dustin Poirier Reveals Thoughts on Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler Fight
Dustin Poirier Reveals Thoughts on Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler Fight /

Former UFC interim lightweight champion and three-time undisputed title challenger Dustin Poirier (30-9 MMA, 22-8, 1 NC UFC) doesn't appear to be shutting the door on a retirement from MMA and walking away from the Octagon.

Poirier, 35, caught wind of an opinion-based article from Expansive Sports' Peter Ryan on a few potential final fights for the Louisiana native, including a fourth fight against former UFC double-champion Conor McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC), whom he has back-to-back wins against, and UFC veteran Nate Diaz (21-13 MMA, 16-11 UFC). Poirier and Diaz were initially scheduled to fight at UFC 244 in Nov. 2019, reigniting a story nearly five years in the making.

UFC News: Dana White Non-Committal On Conor McGregor Return - ‘He’ll Let Me Know’

Dustin Poirier Has Not Retired Just Yet

Poirier replied on 'X' to Ryan Friday and immediately generated buzz with over a thousand likes, counting just after 7 p.m. ET, three hours after it was posted.

Although brief, Poirier may have stirred the pot regarding a potential return. Poirier is coming off a loss to current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) in June, who is currently nursing a hand injury.

"I'd fight them all," Poirier said.

UFC News: Dustin Poirier Rips Michael Chandler, 'You Got 1 Win in the UFC'

As for McGregor, he intends to come back, and likely face ex-TUF 31 coaching foe Michael Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC) before 2024 concludes. But, a date or timetable for the one-time UFC 303 postponed main event has not been confirmed.

Exclusive: Dustin Poirier On Fighting Future, Conor McGregor's Return, Samsung & More

Poirier has competed in the UFC since Jan. 2011 and has fought some of the best featherweights and lightweights the sport has to offer. A potential shoo-in for the UFC Hall of Fame, Poirier is still seeking a UFC undisputed title if he chooses to make one more run at the top.

Nevertheless, only time will tell, as Poirier seems to be enjoying his non-fighting endeavors for the time being.

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Zain Bando
ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer for MMA Knockout, part of the Sports Illustrated/Minute Media umbrella. He has covered combat sports since 2019 for notable outlets BJPenn.com and FanSided MMA. He also co-hosts a podcast called "The MMA Outsiders," part of the Empty The Bench Podcast Network, which airs Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. A Chicago suburban native, Bando has been enthralled with MMA since 2006 and has been fortunate to attend some of the most high-profile events in the sport's history, both as a fan and media member, including UFC 264, Bellator 297 and Kayla Harrison's PFL MMA debut. He is excited to take the next step in his combat sports writing journey and looks forward to continuing his following of the fight game for years to come. Bando can be reached via email at zainbando99@gmail.com or by social media @zainbando99

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