ABU DHABI – Dustin Poirier believes nothing came of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s meeting with Dana White.
During the third UFC stage at “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, the recently retired lightweight champion met with White to talk about his future. The UFC president then claimed that Nurmagomedov told him he would be open to returning if one of the most important lightweights really impressed him.
With a massive slight clash between Poirier (26-6 MMA, 18-5 UFC) and Conor McGregor leading Saturday’s UFC 257 test, a new No. 1 contender is likely to consolidate.
But despite everything, Poirier believes the title image is still unclear.
“I thought we’d have some clarity on whether he was retired or not,” Poirier told MMA Junkie. “I did not think it was a gray area. I thought it was going to be black or white, yes or no. We are practically in the same position as before they had the meeting ”.
With Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA, 13-0 UFC) never officially leaving his championship, Poirier didn’t expect his rematch with McGregor to be the title, but he certainly sees big implications with a win.
“I didn’t think there would be a belt thrown over this one because Dana has already said there will be no way this fight is for a belt, so I believed him when he said that,” Poirier said. “I think the winner of this fight is fighting for the next belt. I think everyone knows that. But I wish I had a definite answer, but everything is good. It is what it is. I have to fight first.
“The plan is to beat Conor McGregor by any means necessary. Blood and guts and fighting for the world title again “.