Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov thinks Dustin Poirier‘s loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 269 could be career-altering.
Poirier got off to a good start against Oliveira in the UFC 269 main event. He was able to seriously hurt Oliveira on the feet and nearly finished the fight in the opening minutes. But, Oliveira was able to work to his grappling and submit Poirier in Round 3 with a standing rear-naked choke.
It was a phenomenal performance from Oliveira, but another disappointing title shot for Poirier. He had earned a second shot at the title after losing to Nurmagomedov at UFC 242.
During a recent press conference in Russia, Nurmagomedov opined on why he believes Poirier may not be able to get back to the lightweight title.
“After the fight, he said he needs to think, does he need it at all? If such thoughts came to his mind, it means he will win, but he will win and lose,” Nurmagomedov said. “He will not go to the end when it will be necessary. Sometimes, you look at the athlete and see how fast he changes. I say it to my close friends. While there is a time you should stay active and keep fighting. If this switch clicks once, he will never go back. I think his switch clicked.” (h/t Bloody Elbow)
Dustin Poirier Has Alluded To A Move To Welterweight
Poirier, heartbroken by the loss, has seemed vague when asked about his fighting future. He’s stated that he’s done cutting down to lightweight, and wants to fight at welterweight for the remainder of his UFC tenure.
Nurmagomedov and Poirier have mutual respect for one another, but that hasn’t stopped the former champion from speaking his mind. Nurmagomedov has also hinted at possibly signing Poirier to Eagle FC in the future if the UFC were to release him.
Do you agree with Khabib on Dustin Poirier?