DUSTIN POIRIER TOLD Khabib Nurmagomedov to “get his s*** together” after taking his career to the next level with a unanimous decision victory in a brutal battle with Max Holloway at UFC 236.
In a hellacious contest, Poirier captured the interim lightweight title at State Farm Arena against one of the pound-for-pound greats in Holloway with all three judges scoring 49-46 in his favour.
Poirier landed the heavier shots to score another victory over Holloway, who he defeated via first-round submission in 2012.
Speaking after the fight, which had the second-highest amount of significant strikes in UFC history at 359, Poirier said: “This feels amazing. I feel like I’m in a dream right now.
“I just beat the pound-for-pound best in the world. To be the best, you have to beat the best. Damn, I feel good. I’ve earned this with blood. Paid in full, this is mine.”
UFC president Dana White said undefeated lightweight champion Nurmagomedov, still suspended for his part in an ugly brawl with Conor McGregor last October, is next up for Poirier.
Asked if he had a message for his future opponent, Poirier said: “In the words of my brother Daniel Cormier, get your s*** together young man. We got a belt to fight for.”
Nurmagomedov replied to Poirier’s call-out on Twitter, saying he scored the fight a draw.
I don’t agree with the judges 49:46, I got a draw, my respect to both fighters, and Poirier’s achievement so far cannot be denied, my congratulations Dustin, see you in September,” he wrote.
Holloway had won 13 consecutive fights before Saturday’s bout, but the 27-year-old was gracious in defeat.
“I’m not going to take nothing away from Dustin,” Holloway said. “He beat a world champion and is a world champion. There ain’t no interim s***. He’s a world champion. Congrats, brother.”
Elsewhere on the card, Israel Adesanya proved himself on the biggest level by defeating Kelvin Gastelum in a fight-of-the-year contender to become interim middleweight champion.
The undefeated Adesanya dropped his opponent several times in a dramatic round five after a vicious encounter between clinical strikers that had the crowd completely enthralled.
Adesanya, who is now set to fight full champion Robert Whittaker, was full of praise for his beaten opponent.
“There’s someone who is more of a man than me,” he said. “I’ve planned this for so long. Without you my career wouldn’t be where it is.”
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Can’t stand that Irelands call. We are a one nation team. Surely a better sing than a Phil coulter ditty would be better. Cmon Ireland
We’re not a “one nation team”.That’s non negotiable.Accept it and show some respect to the Bests and Trimbles in Irish rugby.
One nation two jurisdictions. Irish is Irish whether it’s the North or the Republic
Eh that’s what i meant! republic and northern Irish players playing as one.
Leslie, my comment was directed at Peter Rice. I agee with you of course
sound Peter my reply was not for yourself either, was meant for the other chap too :-)
The whole point of introducing Ireland’s Call – I also hate it btw ;-)…. – was that many of the Northern players don’t see themselves as Irish. Like it or not, that’s the reason….
Mattoid, of course they see themselves as Irish, but not of the Republic. They also believe, as I do, that the Irish Rugby team represents Irish nation as a whole and not just the Republic.
Well they sure as hell aren’t going to see themselves as English, Scottish or Welsh! The point is they don’t feel represented by Amhran na bhFiann, and that applies as much to the fans as the players.
Murray is mad for them box kicks. Can’t really see the point in giving up possession. Am I missing something?
Sooner the better we realise Ireland are not as good as we all think. Their an average team have been for last 3 years
Not too bright are ye Thomas? Average yet they’ve beaten top rugby teams like France, south Africa, Australia and Wales over the same 3 year period. Not bad when rugby is very much a 3rd sport in Ireland – GAA and Soccer being the most played.
Fair play to Trimble with the token try at the end – best looking scoreline in a long while for Ireland!
Token?
Higgins would make a better scrum half than murray !!
Feargal you are a loser.
TP;Toilet Paper…I have to go soon, enjoy :D