Amid links to a stunning June title fight with former interim champion, Dustin Poirier in a return to the Octagon – undisputed divisional champion, Islam Makhachev remains a distinct betting favorite to hold the crown on December 31. this year – in an important annum for the Russian.
Makhachev, the current pound-for-pound number one fighter on the promotion’s books, most recently secured his second successful defense of the undisputed title back in October, definitively ending his rivalry with Alexander Volkanovski with a stunning high-kick knockout win.
And as for Lafayette native, Poirier, the number three ranked contender has staked his claim for a shot at Islam Makhachev next, fresh off the back of a second round KO win over Nimes native, Benoit Saint Denis earlier this month.