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At UFC 281, Dustin Poirier defeated Michael Chandler in one of the most action-packed bouts of the year. In doing so, 'The Diamond' bounced back from his second failed attempt at capturing undisputed UFC gold.
With his only losses coming against two former lightweight champions who were at the peak of their reigns, Dustin Poirier has found himself in a curious position. While Islam Makhachev is a fresh new champion whom 'The Diamond' is yet to face, a title fight is unlikely.
The Dagestani phenom has been booked to cross swords with Alexander Volkanovski in his first-ever title defense at UFC 284 in February next year. Furthermore, the former interim champion is likely in need of a second win to climb his way back into title contention.
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Given the circumstances, Dustin Poirier's options for fresh matchups are somewhat limited. Regardless, this list compiles five potential fights that the UFC could consider for the former interim champion's next outing.
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#5. Rafael Fiziev, UFC lightweight
Dustin Poirier is one of the greatest 155'ers in the promotion. He is a two-time title challenger and a former interim belt holder. He also has wins over Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje, Dan Hooker, Eddie Alvarez, Anthony Pettis, Conor McGregor and now Michael Chandler.
He has faced countless lightweights in his day. So matchups against unfamiliar foes are unlikely as he has either already fought them or they're ranked too low for him to consider. One fresh foe is Rafael Fiziev, a former Muay Thai champion and the sixth-ranked lightweight in the UFC.
The Russian striker is streaking with six consecutive wins, including a TKO victory against former champion Rafael dos Anjos. While 'The Diamond' might not be willing to fight someone ranked outside the top five, a matchup between the two would be an exciting striking bout.
If Dustin Poirier wins, it would help elevate him back into title contention. But if 'Ataman' wins, it will elevate him into the upper echelon of the division. Furthermore, it will introduce him to casual fans who recognize 'The Diamond' from his back-to-back wins against Conor McGregor.
#4. Beneil Darisuh, UFC lightweight
It's safe to assume that the UFC doesn't see much promotional value in Beneil Dariush. Despite the apparent disinterest from Dana White and upper management, the Iranian great is streaking. He is currently at the helm of an eight-fight win streak.
Alas, he continues to be passed over by the UFC for title fights. Given Dustin Poirier's high ranking in the division, he is unlikely to face anyone ranked too far below him. At the UFC 281 post-fight press conference, a bout with the Kings MMA export was suggested by journalists.
'The Diamond' seemed both interested and willing to face a foe of Dariush's caliber. He remains the only lightweight ranked within the top five that the Louisianan is yet to battle. Thus, it is a fresh matchup and a chance for Poirier to prove that he isn't vulnerable against grapplers.
#3. Charles Oliveira, UFC lightweight
Dustin Poirier's most recent loss came against Charles Oliveira in yet another failure at capturing the undisputed lightweight title. While 'The Diamond' started the bout well, hurting the Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist on several occasions, he eventually faded.
After defeating Michael Chandler, the former interim champion claimed to have been working on his Brazilian jiu-jitsu due to his rear-naked choke losses. A rematch against Charles Oliveira would allow him to prove those claims. Additionally, 'do Bronx' is coming off a loss and is in need of a win.
Due to the Brazilian's recent announcement that he needs a break, a potential return lines up well with Poirier. The Louisianan will also require some time to recover from his war with Chandler. A potential bout between the two is easy to promote and can bolster any card in need of starpower.
#2. Justin Gaethje, UFC lightweight
Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier last crossed swords in 2018 at UFC on Fox 29. The Fight of the Night bout ended with a TKO win for 'The Diamond'. Since then, both lightweights have embarked on similar paths. Each man captured an interim lightweight title.
They also failed to become undisputed champions after both losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira via submission. Interest in a potential rematch reemerged after 'The Highlight' expressed his belief that the Louisianan didn't want to fight him again.
According to the former WSOF lightweight titleholder, he dragged his foe into deep waters he didn't want to return to. A rematch between the two would undoubtedly be a Fight of the Year contender. It also grants Gaethje the chance to avenge his previous loss to Poirier.
Alternatively, it grants Poirier the chance to leave no doubt in anyone's mind that Gaethje hasn't improved enough to defeat him. There is no other fight that will yield more entertaining results than this.
#1. Colby Covington, UFC welterweight
While the hype behind a potential matchup between Colby Covington and Dustin Poirier has cooled, it remains a massive bout. The two men are former teammates, with 'The Diamond' fighting out of American Top Team, which once hosted the two-time welterweight title challenger.
Additionally, the Louisianan is close to Jorge Masvidal, a former best friend of 'Chaos'. The fight would be supremely easy to promote given the history surrounding Dustin Poirier and Colby Covington. According to 'Chaos', the Louisianan often tried to spark brawls with him at ATT.
Furthermore, the former All-American engaged in a character assassination by attacking 'The Diamond's' reputation. He posted sparring footage that allegedly showed him in a poor light due to how hard he went against an amateur. He also insulted his rival's wife and daughter in hist post-fight interview at UFC 272.
Given Dustin Poirier's assertion that it was "on site" if he crosses paths with 'Chaos', a potential bout would be an easy PPV headliner. The former lightweight title challenger is a big 155'er who can easily fight at welterweight. The heated feud between the two would also yield a highly entertaining buildup.
