Daniel Cormier has implored the UFC to book Islam Makhachev’s next fight, stating that it could be the ‘biggest’ fight he’s had to date.
Islam Makhachev has had several big fights already, with his title win against Brazilian star, Charles Oliveira, being a perfect way to kick off his title reign.
The lightweight title picture
Following that, he went on to fight Alexander Volkanovski twice in what were two more big fights for the Russian champion.
The notable contenders in the division like Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliviera, and Arman Tsarukyan are all booked to fight at UFC 300, leaving Makhachev with not many options.
The Dagestani was offered a fight on the milestone UFC event, though it wasn’t to defend his lightweight title, it was to challenge Leon Edwards for his welterweight title. Because of UFC 300 clashing with Ramadan in terms of dates, Makhachev had to unfortunately turn down the offer.
Cormier wants Makhachev vs Poirier booked ‘right now’, claiming it’ll be Makhachev’s ‘biggest’ fight yet
In a recent interview, Dustin Poirier claimed that he has done more in the sport than Islam Makhchev, which is hard to argue. The champion responded on social media calling the Louisianan a ‘permanent contender’.
With the anticipation for this lightweight fight building, UFC commentator, Daniel Cormier believes it could be the 32-year-old champion’s biggest fight of his career thus far.
“It’s a win-win situation for the UFC” Cormier said on his YouTube channel, as he explained how it’d be the biggest obstacle Poirier has climbed if he can get the win against Makhachev.
“Think about the run Makhachev could have if he is able to put all of these fights behind each other. When I heard it (Poirier rumors) I thought finally, they understand the logic. For me, this is the next logical step in the evolution of Islam Makhachev.
“Book it, right now. It’ll be a massive fight. It really will be the biggest fight that Islam Makhachev has ever had in terms of the box office.” Cormier added.
Daniel Cormier on why Dustin Poirier should be next for Makhachev
Cormier said that it feels like it’s been a long time coming for this fight to be booked, especially with the two lightweights going back and forth with each other on social media.
As well as that, Cormier mentioned how it’s the only thing that makes sense right now, because of the rest of the 155lb division being booked near the top.
Cormier said: “Why did Islam (Makhachev) call his name, one because it feels like Dustin (Poirier) is the only one not matched up but I think Islam is finally understanding something that I tried to tell you guys a while ago.
“In order for Islam to get where he truly needs to be as a champion, he has got to have those familiar names on his resume, or at least have competition with them.” he explained.
The timing could work out perfectly for ‘The Diamond’ with Makhachev wanting to fight in June, and of course, Poirier’s recent emphatic win over Benoit Saint-Denis goes a long way in being next in line.