Khabib: ‘UFC Lightweight division must go on, Dustin Poirier deserves to be champion’

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, already had a meeting with company President, Dana White, a few weeks ago on “Fight Island.” And even though White led fight fans to believe that “The Eagle” left the door open for a potential comeback, Khabib stated otherwise days later.

Now, Nurmagomedov says he has one more meeting set up with White in the coming weeks, but seems to stand firm in his stance about sticking to his retirement, revealing that the 155-pound weight class must go on. That’s according to statements he made during a recent interview with Match TV (interpreted by Bruno Massami).

Furthermore, the undefeated champion (29-0, 13-0 UFC) says if anyone deserves to lead the division as champion in his absence it’s Dustin Poirier, who is fresh off a stunning knockout win over Khabib’s biggest rival, Conor McGregor, at UFC 257 (see it here).

Recent reports suggest that the promotion is looking at booking a trilogy fight between Poirier and McGregor this May. Of course, if White and Khabib’s upcoming sit-down results in the promotion finally vacating the strap, “The Diamond” could be fighting a more worthy contender for the belt much sooner.

And there are plenty to choose from such as Charles Oliveira, who has been putting in work to the tune of an eight-fight win streak, which includes big wins over Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee. There is also Michael Chandler, who put the 155-pound weight class on notice with a dazzling Octagon debut thanks to a stellar knockout over Dan Hooker at UFC 257.

Either way, it seems there will be a new ruler leading the division in 2021, unless White somehow miraculously convinces Nurmagomedov to return.