Daniel Cormier is all in on a potential matchup between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier, seeing it as a win-win for the UFC. The lightweight champ, Makhachev, threw Poirier's name in the ring for his next title defense, considering the stacked competition at UFC 300 on April 13. Makhachev, with a record of 25-1 MMA and 14-1 UFC, is eyeing June for his return and views Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) as a worthy but perhaps undeserving opponent. Despite this, Cormier believes a fight with Poirier could elevate Makhachev's status.
"It's a win-win for the UFC," Cormier expressed on his YouTube channel. "Islam is itching to fight, so let's make it happen ASAP. It's a perfect setup. For Dustin Poirier, it's a massive opportunity. And for Islam Makhachev, it's another former champ to add to his list. That's a storyline right there. You can't control the outcome, but you can create the stage for something magical to happen, and then as the organization, you capitalize on it. It's brilliant. Let's make the fight official: Makhachev vs. Poirier. It's going to be huge, the biggest fight for Islam Makhachev in terms of the box office."
Cormier suggests Makhachev take on a heel persona in the lead-up to the fight. Makhachev has already taken verbal shots at Poirier for his previous failed title bids, and Cormier encourages him to keep up this approach. "This is the next step for Islam Makhachev," Cormier added. "He needs to be more aggressive. He's straightforward, like many Dagestanis. Sometimes that can be mistaken for disrespect. But no, it's just their nature. They're direct. If I were Makhachev, I'd embrace it. I'd embrace being the bad guy. I'd become the villain.
"Islam should tell Dustin, 'You'll never make it. You're not on my level. You're here because no one else was.' That'll make people despise him. That'll make them rally behind Dustin Poirier. It'll also make them think more about it, care more, and get more invested, and that's what matters. People caring."
So, as the potential showdown between Makhachev and Poirier looms, the stage is set for a clash of styles and personalities, promising high stakes and compelling drama in the UFC lightweight division.
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