mma / News

Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Dustin Poirier Deserves a Title Shot

April 21, 2019 | Posted by Jeffrey Harris

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was interviewed by ESPN and Megan Olivi at UFC on ESPN+ 7, which was held in St. Petersburg, Russia. During the interview, he was asked about his next potential fight against interim champion Dustin Poirier. Poirier defeated UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway at UFC 236 this month, making Poirier the top contender to face Nurmagomedov next. Nurmagomedov is currently serving a suspension due to his post fight actions at UFC 229 in October. Below are some highlights and a video of the interview.

Nurmagomedov on Dustin Poirier beating Max Holloway: “I think it was a very good performance from Dustin Poirier. Honestly before the fight, I think Holloway was going to beat him. This was my prediction when we talk with friends, with father, with team, but he impressed me. Dustin has impressed me. I think he has very good boxing, much better than before. In every fight he becomes stronger, better in boxing on his feet. I think he deserves title shot. He’s already interim lightweight champion, I’m real lightweight champion. We have to fight. Now, we’re working on this.”

His thoughts on Dustin Poirier: “A long time I follow him, he has a very good background, he has a very good ground game, not bad. He has a good striking game. I follow him a long time and versus me, I think I have to maul him like I do with everybody. This is what I have to do. I respect him like a fighter, like a human, but when we go to the cage, I have to maul this guy. This is what I want.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov on when the fight might happen: “Right now I am focused on September. Five months before fight and I think it’s going to be a very good fight with him.”

If you use any of the above quotes, credit ESPN with a h/t to 411mania.com.