Dustin Poirier Says He Could Challenge Kamaru Usman by Moving Up to the Welterweight Division

Former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier spoke to Danny Segura from MMA Junkie during his preparation for UFC 269. ‘The Diamond’ headlines the card and will be looking to secure the win against Charles Oliveira in the main event. This scrap is an opportunity for Poirier to actualize his dream of finally becoming the undisputed champion.

Poirier talked about his upcoming match-up with ‘Do Bronx’ and also gave a massive teaser that has fans excited. He revealed a possible move up in weight to the UFC’s welterweight division was on the cards in the future. However, he made sure to acknowledge that his future plans are incumbent on a massive win at UFC 269 for the 155-pound strap.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 23: Dustin Poirier addresses the media after the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

“I’m not retiring. I’m 32 man, I feel good. You’ve seen the way I’m moving out here today. I feel good, I’m having fun. If anything, I’ll probably go up to 170. “

“Honestly, my goal isn’t to have the most title defences. I don’t know, we’ll see. One day at a time. None of that is even a reality until December 11th happens and I get my hands raised.”

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Dustin Poirier at welterweight- What can fans expect

With a win against ‘Do Bronx’ at UFC 269, Poirier will finally have the lightweight strap and will have no shortage of contenders to ward off. Fighters like Justin Gaethje, Islam Makhachev, and Beneil Dariush have been making a lot of noise in the lightweight division. The winner of Poirier vs Oliveira will have their hands full in terms of title defense going forward.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 23: (R-L) Dustin Poirier points at Conor McGregor of Ireland in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

However, it will be hard for a life-long fighter like Dustin Poirier to ignore an opportunity at greatness with a move to welterweight. There are several blockbuster fights to make at welterweight with a scrap against Colby Covington being a given. Both men were former teammates at American Top Team and their relationship has greatly soured.

Not to mention, a stand-up battle against Kamaru Usman for the welterweight title certainly sounds like a dream match-up. Fans can look forward to a plethora of marquee match-ups if ‘El Diamante’ decides to become a welterweight.

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