Dustin Poirier, Al Iaquinta call for UFC release

It seems Dustin Poirier has reached his boiling point.

The top-ranked Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight contender took to social media today (Tues., Feb. 20, 2019) to call for his release from the promotion after recently expressing his disgust with how it was handling the mess at 155 pounds.

Indeed, “Diamond” previously called UFC a “No. 1 bullshit” company, demanding a fight against either Tony Ferguson or a rematch against Conor McGregor after division champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, was sidelined by Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).

Since then, UFC matchmakers have been very quiet when it comes to booking high-profile fights at Lightweight, prompting Poirier to call for his release from the promotion. I’m sure a rumored interim title fight between Featherweight champion Max Holloway and the aforementioned Ferguson — as well as this — could’ve been what pushed “Diamond” over the edge.

Join the club.

Poirier was one of the top candidates to face Khabib for the title next, but after “The Eagle” suspended himself for a year, Poirier’s wait got a bit longer than expected. That said, any talks of an interim title fight should include Dustin, as he has won four of his last five and eight of his last 10.

Poirier’s release request promoted another top 155-pounder in Al Iaquinta to follow suit.

Of course, Iaquinta is referencing George St-Pierre’s upcoming press conference where he will announce his retirement from the fight game. Indeed, UFC needs to do some major damage control and start making some fights official before an uprising occurs in one of its most talent-rich divisions.