Dana White Reacts To Dustin Poirier Forgoing UFC Title Shot For Conor McGregor Trilogy

UFC President Dana White has given a response to Dustin Poirier ditching a UFC title opportunity in favor of a third bout with Conor McGregor.

Poirier and McGregor have fought twice. McGregor earned the victory in their first outing via first-round TKO back in September 2014. Poirier got his revenge in their January rematch, finishing McGregor in the second round. After the fight, both men expressed interest in a trilogy matchup.

When the UFC announced that Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler would determine the new UFC Lightweight Champion, many assumed that the plan is for Poirier vs. McGregor III. That hunch is correct and the UFC is looking to book that fight sometime this summer.

During an interview with TSN, White said Poirier made the right decision to go with another money fight against the “Notorious” one (h/t MMAMania.com).

“Poirier was offered the fight, but he wanted the Conor rematch, which totally makes sense. Oliveira just came off an incredible win over Tony Ferguson and looked completely dominant against a guy many people thought should have fought Khabib and was the best match-up for Khabib.

“Then Chandler came in here like a tornado and looked damn good in his last fight, so this fight made sense.”

Poirier has gone 7-1, 1 NC in his last nine outings. “The Diamond” only lost to the now-retired Khabib Nurmagomedov in that span. As for McGregor, he is 1-2 in his last three bouts. He hasn’t won a lightweight fight since November 2016.