Dustin Poirier says Khabib Nurmagomedov is still in the ‘gray zone’



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ABU DHABI – Dustin Poirier thinks nothing has come of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s meeting with Dana White.

In the UFC’s third stint on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, the recently retired lightweight champion met White to discuss his future. Afterwards, the UFC president claimed that Nurmagomedov told him he would be ready to return if one of the top lightweight weights really impressed him.

With a massive, lightweight clash between Poirier (26-6 MMA, 18-5 UFC) and Conor McGregor headlining Saturday’s UFC 257 event, a new No.1 contender will likely be cemented.

But despite all of this, Poirier thinks the title image remains blurry.

“I thought we would have some clarity as to whether he was retired or not,” Poirier told MMA Junkie. “I didn’t think it would be a gray (area). I thought it was going to be black or white, a yes or no. We’re pretty much in the same position we were before the meeting.

While Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA, 13-0 UFC) never officially left his championship, Poirier didn’t expect his revenge with McGregor to be for the title, but he certainly sees big implications with a victory.

“I didn’t think there would be a belt thrown on this one because Dana once said there was no way this fight was for a belt so I believed him when he said that, ”Poirier said. “I think the winner of this fight is fighting for the belt then. I think everyone knows that. But I would have liked to have had a definitive answer, but all is well. It is what it is. I have to fight first.

“The plan is to beat Conor McGregor by any means necessary. Blood and guts and fight for the world title again.

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