Khabib Nurmagomedov DITCHES Conor McGregor, picks Dustin Poirier as next lightweight champ

Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired from sport after defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, recently named his successor for lightweight crown. Eagle cemented himself as greatest lightweight of all-time at UFC 254 as he took his undefeated MMA record to 29-0 with impressive submission win. Despite anuncing his retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov still holds lightweight strap, with Dana White claiming that Eagle could return for one last bout.

However, Russian has shown zero interest in coming back, stating that he has thing to prove in octagon. t just that, in a recent press conference, Khabib Nurmagomedov also launched his new MMA promotion – Eagle Fighting Championship (EFC) – hinting that he’s ready to start a new chapter of his post-fight career. With departure of Nurmagomedov, lightweight division has opened up, with many top contenders eyeing for coveted title.

Also Read l McGregor vs Poirier: Dustin on his mindset ahead of Cor bout: “I want to outsmart him”

One such contender is former interim champion Dustin Poirier, who Khabib Nurmagomedov thinks could win 155lb title next. Though Poirier lost to Eagle in past, Nurmagomedov believes Diamond is currently at peak of his career and has a high chance of winning title, compared to or, including Cor McGregor, who Dustin Poirier is set to face in January.

“I feel like he’s at his peak w. Yes, he lost to me, but he had a great run before our fight and claimed a good victory against a top-5 fighter afterwards. So I believe Dustin Poirier has a slight edge over ors,” Khabib Nurmagomedov added.

Also Read l Khabib next fight: Khabib swore on his far's grave that he will remain retired: Oliveira

McGregor vs Poirier: What’s next for Dustin Poirier?

Dustin Poirier will face Cor McGregor in a rematch at main event of UFC 257. And though Nurmagomedov hopes Poirier to win, Diamond will be an underdog going into bout as he has lost his first bout to Cor McGregor at UFC 178. However, even if he defeats McGregor on January 23, 2021, he would still have to face top prospects like Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler, Charles Oliveira or Tony Ferguson to get his hands on title.

Also Read l Khabib next fight: Khabib names price for return, rules out McGregor rematch for good

Also Read l Dana White still believes Khabib Nurmagomedov will return: “We’ll meet in Abu Dhabi”

Im Source: AP