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“If I go out there and stop Khabib, I’m the best lightweight fighter to ever strap on a pair of four-ounce gloves.”
There’s no doubt Dustin Poirier has one of the best resumes in the UFC lightweight division. ‘The Diamond’ is riding a four-fight win streak over three former, and one current, champion(s), beating the likes of Anthony Pettis, Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje and reigning featherweight king Max Holloway enroute to his title unification bout with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242.
That’s why Poirier, who is looking to make history by becoming the first man beat Nurmagomedov, believes a stoppage win over the undefeated Dagestani will solidify his position as the greatest lightweight fighter in UFC history.
“It’s huge. It’s history,” Poirier told MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin in a recent interview. “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 added. “I’m not wrong in saying it.”
With that said, Poirier knows a win over Nurmagomedov at UFC 242 will mark the beginning of a potentially historic title reign. The Louisiana native not only wants to beat ‘The Eagle’ but also defend the title and rule the lightweight throne for many years to come.
“This is going to start the reign,” Poirier said. “This is the fight that gives me the undisputed title. But on the other side, this is the fight where I etch my name into the history books forever. Because of this win, I’m going to forever be a part of the best of the best of mixed martial arts.
“But I’m 30 years old and I still feel like my best fights are ahead of me. I’m starting to hit my stride. This is the beginning of “The Diamond” reign.”
UFC 242: Khabib vs. Poirier takes place this Saturday, Sept. 7 at du Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.