Morning Report: Dustin Poirier responds to Islam Makhachev, says ‘I’ve done more in MMA than he has’

Dustin Poirier wants to get his hands on Islam Makhachev.

The UFC lightweight division is always on fire and delivers exciting matchups. UFC 300 will play host to two massive bouts in the weight class next month, pitting four top contenders against each other, three of whom have previously held titles in some variation.

BMF champion Justin Gaethje and the former undisputed lightweight king Charles Oliveira have been mentioned as the most logical following options for the current champion, Islam Makhachev. However, each will first have to make their cases further by attempting to score big wins over former featherweight champion Max Holloway and rising superstar Arman Tsarukyan. Meanwhile, one-time interim title holder Poirier (30-8, 1 NC) got back in the win column with a big second-round knockout of Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 299. The divisional timing has seemingly opened up a door for “The Diamond” back to an early title shot.

“100 percent, that’s what I want,” Poirier told MMA Junkie of a title shot (h/t MMA Mania). “If I could pick a fight, the title fight is my choice. That’s what I want.”

Poirier and Makhachev have already stated how they’re willing to fight next. The champion has targeted a June return, which Poirier recently said isn’t too soon after his win earlier this month.

Ultimately, Makhachev sees “no other option” and doesn’t necessarily see Poirier deserving of being his next title challenger. He wants to stay active, though, and Poirier is available. That mentality triggered a retort from Louisiana’s finest when presented to him over the weekend.

“That’s on him,” Poirier said. I’ve done more in the sport of mixed martial arts than he has. I’ve been around a long time. I was doing this before it was cool, and I’m still here — still here doing it at the highest level. I can beat anybody in the world, and I hope he’s next.

“That’s the only thing left for me to do. You know, I’ve done everything else in the sport of mixed martial arts. I’ve created business. Business, multiple businesses. I’ve headlined so many cards. I’ve been 30 times in the UFC octagon. My family is set. Like, I’ve done everything I’ve set out to do but capture the title, and that’s the only thing left for me to do, and that’s what I want.”

Should the bout happen next for 155-pound gold, a Makhachev (25-1) win would tie him for the divisional title defense record at three after he earned back-to-back victories over Alexander Volkanovski last year.

---

Absurd. Andre Lima gets bite-bonus tattoo, extra $25k from Dana White after bizarre UFC Vegas 89 win

Chomped. Andre Lima reacts to being bitten at UFC Vegas 89: ‘I really thought that the fence had gotten into me’

Lackluster. Matt Brown warns Michael Chandler that beating Conor McGregor now doesn’t mean much: ‘I don’t even think we’d be impressed’

Boxing. Jake Paul eager to test Mike Tyson’s punching power: ‘I want to see how hard he hits’

Return. Gilbert Melendez comes ‘full circle’ working with Scott Coker on new promotion, addresses potential comeback

Matchmaking. Rose Namajunas open to fight with ‘savage’ Maycee Barber

Bantamweight. Sean O’Malley’s coach admits Merab Dvalishvili is ‘scary’ opponent: ‘There’s ways for us to lose’

$$$. UFC Vegas 89 post-fight bonuses: 4 get $50k, Andre Lima gets ‘Bite of the Night’

Victory. ‘Rose the best when her back against the wall’: Pros react to Rose Namajunas’ gritty UFC Vegas 89 win

Cult-Leader. Diego Sanchez unloads on ‘dangerous and unstable’ Josh Fabia: ‘This is real Charlie Manson-level craziness’

Actor. Conor McGregor eager for more Hollywood opportunities: ‘Think about the movies that you can make around me’

Gone. ‘Disappointed’ Donn Davis reacts to Kayla Harrison leaving PFL, says planned fights were ‘bigger than’ anything in UFC

---

UFC Vegas 89 Post Show.

This Is CineMMA 1: Road House.

UFC Atlantic City Promo.

Free fights.

Dana’s transformation.

Deep Jewels 44: Seika Izawa vs. Si Yoon Park.

Invicta 1 Subs.

145 Aljo.

Bo’s Road to UFC 300.

Paddy’s Manchester takeover.

Games with Jake and Conor.

Kelvin at BangTao.

Backyard action.

---

The more Serj, the better.

@Dannybyrdstein with this week’s reader choice.

Go to Twitter, use the #MorningReport hashtag, or find one of my tweets with it, and drop me a jam you’re currently really into. I’ll pick the best one alongside my daily choice and give you a shoutout! You can also share in the comments below — those are just harder to sift through sometimes!

---

Kablamo.

PFL Contracts.

Chomp-gate.

Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh.

Only in Fight Circus.

It sure can.

Solid.

Response.

Things you hate to see.

Best in the world.

Nasty work for a 97-pounder.

A Kitamura KO.

Wrestler wars.

Champ.

Full circle.

Legend.

Holy.

Talks.

War.

---

Hiroaki Suzuki (4-3) vs. Ren “Ya-Man” Sugiyama (0-1); RIZIN 46, April 29

Mauricio Ruffy (9-1) vs. Jamie Mullarkey (17-7); UFC 301, May 4

Alex Caceres (21-14) vs. Sean Woodson (11-1-1); UFC St. Louis, May 11

Adrian Yanez (16-5) vs. Vinicius Salvador (14-6); UFC Vegas 92, May 18

Nate Maness (15-3) vs. Jimmy Flick (17-7); UFC Vegas 93, June 15

Adam Fugitt (9-4) vs. Josh Quinlan (6-2); UFC Vegas 93, June 15

Jason Jackson (18-4) vs. Ramazan Kuramagomedov (12-0); Bellator Dublin, June 22

Cody Durden (16-5-1) vs. Carlos Hernandez (9-3); UFC 303, June 29

---

I still have a feeling the UFC will wait to see what happens after UFC 300 to at least offer one of the lightweight winners a fight with Islam. No matter what, it would be wise of them not to make a shorter turnaround with less preparation for someone of the champion’s caliber. You never know, though.

Thanks for reading!

---

Last Week’s Results:

Friday: 89% of 539 total votes answered “Yes” when asked, “Should Demetrious Johnson have received pay-per-view points for those UFC events he fought on?”

Thursday: 54% of 327 total votes answered “Equal interest/uninterest level” when asked, “Which boxing match interests you more?”

Wednesday: 59% of 405 total votes answered “Rose Namajunas” when asked, “Who wins this weekend?” Namajunas defeated Amanda Ribas via unanimous decision in UFC Vegas 89’s main event.

Tuesday: 94% of 543 total votes answered “No” when asked, “Will we ever see Sean O’Malley vs. Chito Vera 3?”

Monday: 73% of 449 total votes answered “Khabib Nurmagomedov” when asked, “Who in their prime is/was a more dangerous fighter?”

Today’s exit poll:

---

If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @DrakeRiggs_ on Twitter and let him know about it. Also, follow MMAFighting on Instagram and like us on Facebook.