UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is in prime condition and eager to step into the octagon, viewing Dustin Poirier as the most suitable opponent for his desired timeline.
Makhachev expressed his intention to defend his 155-pound title in March, but the promotion informed him that no opponent was available. Instead, they proceeded to schedule pivotal divisional matchups between Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan for UFC 300 on April 13.
In an interview with MMA Junkie on Thursday, Makhachev stated:
“Now I’m healthy. I told them I will be ready in March, but they asked me to fight in beginning of February – that time I had a small injury, I wasn’t 100 percent.