If Dustin Poirier has the capacity for one more fight at UFC, former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will likely put his hand up.
Following his fifth-round submission loss to Islam Makhachev in the main event of UFC 302, Poirier said Saturday night may be his final walk into the Octagon but has not officially decided about retirement. Volkanovski, who lost his title to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 in February, knows he may have to wait to get another shot at the featherweight belt and would like to fight Poirier instead if that happens.
“I think he might retire, but I'm not sure,” Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel. “Maybe, just maybe, it depends on what I do. Of course, I would love to fight later this year, but I don't know exactly what's going to happen and I don't want to wait too long. So if the timing is right, maybe me and Dustin can have a good fight. I know he wants a good fight, of course. [we] I think it will be a big fight because we have a lot of respect for each other.
“So while I'm waiting for the featherweight title, it would be awesome to fight a guy like Dustin Poirier at lightweight. That's the first I've heard of it here. Maybe something could happen.”
Despite being heavily outmatched at UFC 302, Poirier put in a strong performance against Makhachev, winning two of the first four rounds as judged by the judges, and there was much talk of Poirier potentially retiring heading into the bout.
But with the final decision looming, Volkanovski has given the 35-year-old something to think about and believes the fight could be a blockbuster.
“Dustin, you're a legend,” Volkanovski said. “Head up. But it was still a great performance. Maybe we can have a little fun in there and dance. Let me know what you think.”
