Dustin Poirier identifies three reasons why Paddy Pimblett could become UFC champion, inspired by his impressive victory over Michael Chandler.
Dustin Poirier Praises Paddy Pimblett's Potential, Suggests Photo-Finish Battle with Dan Hooker
In a lively chat on The Ariel Helwani Show, Dustin Poirier commended Liverpool's Paddy Pimblett, expressing his belief that the emerging talent could become a UFC champion. Poirier's next fight will go down in history as the final bout of his illustrious MMA career against Max Holloway at UFC 318 in July.
Despite turning down a potential duel with Pimblett for his last hurrah, Poirier couldn’t help but acknowledge Pimblett’s impressive performance against Michael Chandler at UFC 314. “I really thought Chandler would beat him,” admitted Poirier. But Pimblett proved him wrong, cementing his reputation as a legitimate contender.
When asked about Pimblett's future matches, however, Poirier remained notably silent, focusing instead on his own impending battle against Holloway. But a potential matchup between Pimblett and No. 6 ranked lightweight Dan Hooker caught his eye.
"I'd like to see Pimblett matched up against Hooker," said Poirier. "That'd be a great fight. I think it'd be a close one." Although Pimblett himself might prefer a shot at No. 3 ranked Justin Gaethje or No. 2 ranked Charles Oliveira.
As for Pimblett’s recent surge in the UFC lightweight rankings, he moved from No. 12 to No. 8 overall following his win against Chandler. This places him just one more victory away from a title fight.
Meanwhile, Chandler fell five spots to Pimblett's initial position after their bout, currently sitting at No. 12 in the rankings.
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With Poirier’s upcoming showdown against Holloway in New Orleans, fans are eager to see if he can secure a memorable victory in his hometown. But Holloway, who recently secured one of the most electrifying KO's in MMA history against Gaethje at UFC 300, may have other plans.
As Poirier prepares to take his final steps in the octagon, fans ponder the next chapter for Pimblett and other rising stars in the UFC's lightweight division. Will Pimblett continue his ascension, or will he face a setback in his quest for a title shot? Only time will tell.
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[1] https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/34314678/dustin-poirier-returns-lil-wayne-walkout-ufc-312
[3] https://www.mmamania.com/2023/3/6/23608473/ufc-297-react-ustad-smashes-not-ruda-girl-island-warrior-contests-and-ronda-rouseyes-insane
[4] https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/34279195/dustin-poirier-to-face-max-holloway-at-ufc-318-in-new-orleans-july-19
- Dustin Poirier, in his interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, spoke highly of Paddy Pimblett's potential to become a UFC champion, despite turning down a potential fight with him.
- Poirier was surprised by Pimblett's performance against Michael Chandler at UFC 314, as he initially believed Chandler would win.
- Poirier suggested a close fight between Pimblett and Dan Hooker if they were to match up in the UFC's lightweight division.
- With his upcoming fight against Max Holloway at UFC 318, Poirier's focus is on securing a memorable victory in his hometown of New Orleans.
- As Poirier prepares for his final fight, fans are intrigued by Pimblett's future in the UFC lightweight division, wondering if he will continue his ascension or face a setback in his quest for a title shot.
