Dustin Poirier isn’t keen to see Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett just yet.
Former interim UFC lightweight champion Poirier, who is building his analyst career after suffering a loss to Max Holloway in his retirement fight at UFC 318 in July, is as curious as anyone to see who will next challenge reigning 155-pound titleholder Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC).
Unless he’s booked for UFC 323 in December, Topuria will be sidelined until 2026 when the UFC begins its new U.S. broadcast deal with Paramount. He could be the headliner of the first numbered card, and if so, a long-awaited grudge match with Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) could be in play.
Other options include Justin Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC), who has threatened retirement if he doesn’t get the next opportunity, or Arman Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC), who has been feuding with Topuria and was set to challenge for the belt at UFC 311 in January before withdrawing on weigh-in day.
Poirier sees the argument for each candidate, but he wants to see Topuria vs. Gaethje the most, even if it has potential to be a violent and one-sided affair.
“Gaethje (should get the title shot),” Poirier told MMA Junkie. “He’s such a precise striker and he’s so good. Gaethje puts himself in harms way. It would be a horrible matchup for Gaethje if he lunges in and gets sniped by one of those clean shots. But also it could be a tough fight for Topuria.”
Poirier is uncertain exactly how a Topuria vs. Gaethje fight would unfold, but he finds it more intruiging than the alternative. Pimblett may be undefeated inside the octagon, however, his track record of competition pales in comparison to Gaethje.
Although Pimblett might have more momentum and intrigue behind his name at the moment, Poirier simply thinks “The Paddy” lacks the signature win that he values in the resume of a first-time title challenger.
“He’s one thing I’m sure of: Respect to Paddy and what he’s done – I don’t think a win over Michael Chandler, on the skid Chandler is on and the way his fights have been going, deserves a title shot right away,” Poirier said. “I know he’s exciting and people are talking about him, but I would like to see him fight one more top five guy. One more tough, tough test. And then we can talk title fights for him. I think it’s a little bit rushed for Paddy, if we’re talking about him and Ilia.”
If Pimblett does need one more to get over the hump, Poirier sees BMF champ Holloway (27-8 MMA, 23-8 UFC) as someone who is not booked and would make his resume undeniable.
“Put Max in there with Pimblett,” Poirier said. “That’s a fun fight to find out what level Paddy is really at. But there’s a bunch of fun fights for Max, man. A bunch of fun fights. I would love to see Max vs. (Dan) Hooker as well. I’m a fan of both guys and I know that would be a fun fight for everybody.”
To hear more from Poirier on the UFC lightweight division and which fights should be made, check out his complete appearance on “The Bohnfire” podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn above.
