Dustin Poirier Only Wants “Big Fights” And Big Checks

Having just competed in one of the best and most violent fights in recent memory, Dustin Poirier’s not looking to rush back to the Octagon. In addition, after defeating the always dangerous, Dan Hooker, the former interim champ’s not interested in taking anything less than a high stakes, big paying bout.

Poirier discusses next steps, following latest win

‘The Diamond’ returned to the Octagon last weekend at UFC Vegas 4, and returned to the win column, by defeating Hooker via decision. The fight marked the first time Poirier had fought, since he was submitted by lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov last September.

With the win, Poirier ensured he’s still in the title shot mix and as a result of that, there’s been a lot of talk about who he’ll fight next.

But, while talking to MMA Junkie recently, the rugged vet made it clear he’s in no rush to get back in the cage. In addition, on account of what he’s accomplished, Poirier is only interested in massive bouts from here on out.

“I just want big fights, and I wanna be paid for them,” Poirier said. “So I just want big fights and money. I want to be undisputed world champion, but I’m not pressing, I’m not pushing for other fights right now.

I’m just gonna sit back, heal up, see what the UFC wants to do, and we’ll take the next step. But I think I’ve paid my dues and earned my shot at a big fight.”

Fair enough. Due to how violent his fight with Hooker was, it’s certainly advisable that Poirier take some time and heal up.

Further, on account of his run in the UFC’s lightweight division, there’s no question Poirier shouldn’t only be tabled all-star fights.

Tony Ferguson or Nate Diaz?

Since Khabib is currently still holding the title, and because Poirier’s not long removed from his loss to the champ, he probably needs to record another win before a title shot is tabled.

So, while talking about the possibility of facing the likes of Ferguson or Diaz, Poirier said this.

“I’m interested in all those fights,” Poirier said. “I’d like to fight all those guys. It just has to be the right time and the right scenario, and we’ll make it happen.

But my goal before I’m done fighting is to be the undisputed world champion. So (I’ll do) whatever I need to do to make that happen.

If that’s sit out and wait for this fight – nobody’s told me I’m next, so I’m not sure exactly what the UFC’s plan is. But if it’s not a title fight, it’s gotta be a big one.

“It’s a tough one. I don’t want to slide in. I want to be picked because of what I’ve done. I want to have a proper training camp.

I don’t want to slide in when somebody stubs their toe. I want to earn it, so we’ll see what’s next. I don’t want to look too far. I’ll wait on the UFC to call me.”

We’ll see what happens, but there does seem to be a lot of interest in seeing Ferguson and Poirier throw down.