The lightweight division of the UFC is brimming with potential contenders vying for a shot at Islam Makhacev, the reigning UFC Lightweight champion. Recently, Islam Makhachev was offered a fight against Dustin Poirier, a matchup that surprised many, particularly Arman Tsarukyan.
Arman, who believes he would have been a more fitting opponent, comments on the reasons for Islam Makhachev’s mindset for choosing Dustin Poirier, mainly mentioning that it is money-motivated.
Arman Tsarukyan Discusses Islam Makhachev’s Mindset for Choosing Poirier
In a recent interview, Arman Tsarukyan expressed his surprise at Islam Makhachev opting to fight Dustin Poirier. Tsarukyan believes a fight between him and Makhachev would have been a more natural progression within the lightweight division, questioning Makhachev’s motivations.
Tsarukyan himself is on a six-fight win streak, with a fighting style that mirrors Makhachev’s dominance on the ground. He suggests that a fight between them would not only determine the next challenger from the Khabib camp but would also be a more exciting matchup for fans due to their similar skill sets.
Makhachev Explains His Reason for Choosing Poirier
While Tsarukyan raises valid points, it’s important to consider Makhachev’s perspective as well. Dustin Poirier is a household name in the UFC, boasting a long list of accolades and two victories over Conor McGregor.
A win against Poirier would undoubtedly elevate Makhachev’s standing in the pound-for-pound rankings. Poirier also presents a stylistic challenge different from what Makhachev has faced in recent fights.
Defeating a well-rounded fighter like Poirier would be a significant testament to Makhachev’s well-rounded skillset. There’s also the financial aspect to consider. Poirier is a proven pay-per-view draw, and a fight against him is likely to generate significant revenue.
While the UFC prioritizes competition, financial considerations do play a role in matchmaking decisions. For Makhachev, the increased exposure and potential financial windfall from a Poirier fight could be a significant factor in his choice.
The decision by Islam Makhachev to fight Dustin Poirier has sparked debate within the MMA community. Arman Tsarukyan believes a fight between them would have been a more logical step, but Makhachev’s pursuit of a high-profile opponent is also understandable.
What would have been the perfect matchup according to you? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below.
