Dustin Poirier: Lightweight “Division Has to Move on” if Khabib’s Retired

Dustin Poirier isn’t demanding that his upcoming bout with Conor McGregor be for the UFC’s lightweight title. But, the former interim champ does believe that the UFC needs to make some decisions if Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retired.

Poirier says the “division has to move on”

On account of the fact Khabib announced he was retiring after his win at UFC 254, and because he’s repeated that he’s done fighting, there’s been a lot of talk about when and if the 155 crown will be vacated. Dana White, however, has repeatedly said that he believes Khabib will return to pursue the 30-0 mark.

As a result, as this is being written, neither the undisputed title nor an interim belt will be on the line for McGregor – Poirier 2.

Well, recently Poirier spoke with MMA Junkie, about his upcoming fight. While talking about the status of the UFC’s lightweight title, Poirier said this.

“I think if Khabib’s retired and not coming back, then I’m next in line for the title shot, and this could be the title fight,” Poirier said.

“This could be for the undisputed belt. I think that’d make sense. Dana’s saying one thing, Khabib’s saying another. Who knows what the truth is? Time will tell.”

“The division has to move on,” Poirier said. “The only thing that makes me think the guy is serious is, first of all, he doesn’t seem like a bull(expletive)er, and if he said he’s done right after the fight and his father just passed away, it’s an emotional moment.

You just got another title defense, you get to go back home to your family. You might say those things right after.

But a month later, you’re still singing the same tune? Maybe the guy’s mind is somewhere else. Maybe he is moving forward.

Maybe, like he said, he’s accomplished everything he set out to do. I don’t know. But if he is done, somebody has to fight for that belt.”

And then, while talking about whether he’d be interested in fighting for an interim belt, if the UFC decided to go that route, “The Diamond” said this.

“I want the undisputed belt,” Poirier said. “I think in this situation, with him just defending, I don’t think an interim belt makes a whole lot of sense.”

Thoughts?

You can understand why Poirier feels this way. He’s right; if Khabib is really done, then the belt should be put up for grabs, and Poirier is in the title shot mix.

The big question is, how long will the UFC wait before vacating the belt?

Khabib has said a few times now he’s retired. But, he remains in USADA’s testing pool, and others have also opined that they think, he will ultimately come back.