'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQF/8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA//aAAwDAQACEAMQAAAAzZA3/8QAIBAAAgIBAwUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgMBBAUAESEGBzJiw//aAAgBAQABPwCAq16fRDVUKCDyOBO+6QqgUtfDR5P189hjT+1WGa9jIVciCKS4v7fHX//EABgRAAMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAS/9oACAECAQE/ALOZDpd//8QAFxEBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgEAA//aAAgBAwEBPwDmYzIt/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Dustin Poirier recently played matchmaker for Paddy Pimblett and explained his reasoning for pitching a dangerous striker for his next opponent. He noted that 'The Baddy's' next bout needs to be one of significance and proved that he should be considered as a legitimate threat at 155 pounds.
Pimblett earned a dominant third-round TKO win over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 last Saturday and put the top five lightweight contenders on notice. It was an impressive performance and showcased what he is capable of against the caliber of opponent like Chandler.
While speaking to MMA Junkie, Poirier admitted that he wouldn't entertain a bout against Pimblett because the UFC already has other plans for his final bout, but named Dan Hooker as an ideal opponent. 'The Diamond' believes that Hooker can possibly force Pimblett into a striking battle and would make for an entertaining fight for fans:
Trending
"[Pimblett's] next fight has to be a really big one. Like, a Gamrot, Arman [Tsarukyan], Oliveira. I'm already behind-the-scenes, I've got stuff so I can't entertain that and I'm only fighting one more time. But, for me as a fan, put him in there with Dan Hooker. That would be an incredible fight. That's a fun fight, the buildup's gonna be fun. Dan's gonna stand and trade with him. Dan's got great takedown defense, good on the ground, that's the fight I think."
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
Check out Dustin Poirier's comments regarding Paddy Pimblett below:
Dustin Poirier lavishes praise on Paddy Pimblett's win over Michael Chandler
During the aforementioned clip, Dustin Poirier lauded Paddy Pimblett for his victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314.
Poirier mentioned that Pimblett surprised him with his takedowns on Chandler and believes he has earned his place in the lightweight division:
"Chandler didn't look great, but not taking away from Paddy's performance. Paddy went out there, dropped the first round, came back confident, was hitting Chandler with big shots. He took him down, who would've had that on their bingo card?... Paddy's the real deal. The guy was a prospect, now he's a contender. You have to take him for real now."
Check out the full interview with Dustin Poirier below:
