ABU DHABI – Dustin Poirier believes nothing came of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s meeting with Dana White.
During the UFC’s third series on ‘Fight Island’ in Abu Dhabi, the recently retired lightweight champion met with White to discuss his future. The UFC president then claimed Nurmagomedov told him he would be open to returning if one of the leading lightweights really impressed him.
With a massive lightweight clash between Poirier (26-6 MMA, 18-5 UFC) and Conor McGregor taking place in the main series of the UFC 257 event, a new No. 1 candidate is likely to be tied down.
But despite all that, Poirier thinks the title picture remains unclear.
“I thought we would get clarity on whether he retired or not,” Poirier told MMA Junkie. “I did not think it was going to be a gray area. I thought it was going to be black or white, a yes or no. We are in about the same position as before we had the meeting. ”
With Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA, 13-0 UFC) never officially leaving his championship, Poirier did not expect his second chance with McGregor to be for the title, but he certainly sees big implications with a win.
“I did not think a belt would be thrown on it, because Dana had already said there was no way this fight was going to be for a belt, and I believed him when he said that,” Poirier said. ‘I think the winner of this fight will fight for the belt next time. I think everyone knows that. But I would like a definite answer, but it’s all good. It is what it is. I have to fight first.
‘The plan is to defeat Conor McGregor in any way. Blood and guts and fight for the world title again. ”