UFC 242: Dustin Poirier Outlines Why a Wins Ensures The “Best Run in Lightweight History”

If you recently had a discussion regarding who is the best lightweight in MMA history, chances are names like Khabib Nurmagomedov, B.J. Penn and Frankie Edgar were mentioned. But, the way Dustin Poirier sees it, if he goes out and defeats Khabib at UFC 242 Saturday, he will have produced the best run in 155 history.

Poirier secures bout with Nurmagomedov

Poirier locked up a fight with the Nurmagomedov this Saturday at UFC 242, by winning the interim title this past May. At UFC 236, Poirier outscored featherweight king Max Holloway to win the interim belt, and advance to this weekend’s fight with the undefeated champ.

Despite the fact Poirier won the interim belt, immediately after UFC 236, not everyone was convinced he’d be next for Khabib. Some observers still thought the UFC might hand Conor McGregor an immediate rematch, but thankfully, the promotion handed the opportunity to Poirier.

What will a win mean?

If you ask most people today who they think will win Saturday’s headliner, there’s a greater chance they’re going to say Khabib. After all, we’re talking about someone who has never lost a MMA fight, and who has one of the best wrestling – grappling pedigrees in the sport’s history.

But, what if Poirier does score the upset? What will that say about him and his resume? While responding to that question recently, the rugged fighter said this (quotes via MMA Fighting):

“It’s huge. It’s history,” Poirier said. “When I go out there and beat Khabib, it’s not a question of am I the best UFC lightweight? It’s a question of am I the best lightweight to ever fight in mixed martial arts with the run I’m on.

“Max Holloway, Anthony Pettis, Eddie Alvarez, Khabib Nurmagomedov, winning over those guys in a row in main events, over and over, that’s the best run in lightweight history.”

“If I go out there and stop Khabib, I’m the best lightweight fighter to ever strap on a pair of four-ounce gloves. Simple and plain,” Poirier said. “I’m not wrong in saying it.”

How about that? Is Poirier right? Will a stoppage win over Khabib move him into the best-ever status at 155?

It’s an interesting question. First off, Poirier’s right in that a run with wins over Pettis, Alvarez, Holloway and Nurmagomedov would be ridiculously impressive (he also defeated Justin Gaethje during this stretch, which is no easy feat). While some might argue that Holloway hasn’t established himself as a legit lightweight yet, Alvarez is one of the most decorated lightweights in history, and Pettis is a former champ. Of course, becoming the first and only person to defeat Khabib would be a massive, massive accomplishment.

But, often people don’t assign the label of ‘greatest’ until a fighter has won a title and defended it. So, Poirier might need to beat Khabib, and then defeat say, Mr. Tony Ferguson, before the masses call him the 155 G.O.A.T.