Daniel Cormier believes the UFC matching up Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier could be a win-win state of affairs.
Based mostly on availability, UFC light-weight champion Makhachev instructed Poirier for his subsequent title protection. Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan are all competing at UFC 300 on April 13, which is what steered Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) towards “The Diamond.”
Makhachev doesn’t suppose Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) deserves it however desires to return in June. Cormier sees Poirier being a terrific battle to assist construct Makhachev’s star energy.
“This can be a no-lose state of affairs for the UFC,” Cormier stated on his YouTube channel. “Islam desires to battle, so I believe you’ve received to attempt to make that occur as quickly as potential. It really works. For Dustin Poirier, large probability. For Islam Makhachev, one other former champion you’ll be able to put underneath your belt. That’s storytelling.
“You’ll be able to’t management the end result, however you’ll be able to put them able for somebody to make magic and then you definitely, as the corporate, capitalize on it. I find it irresistible. E-book it proper now, ebook it: Makhachev vs. Poirier. Will probably be a large battle. It actually would be the greatest battle that Islam Makhachev has ever had by way of the field workplace.”
Cormier suggests Makhachev develop into a heel within the buildup. Makhachev already took purpose at Poirier for falling brief twice at turning into champion, and Cormier encourages him to proceed this strategy.
“I believe that is the following logical step within the evolution of Islam Makhachev,” Cormier stated. “Now you’ve received to be just a little bit extra ahead. Look, he’s very blunt, loads of the Dagestanis are. At instances, that may get misinterpreted for being disrespectful. Nope, it’s simply how they’re. They’re very blunt, they’re very direct. Whereas it could come off as (disrespectful), I might steer into that if I’m the champion. I might attempt to develop into the evil empire. I might attempt to develop into the villain.
“Islam wants to inform Dustin, ‘You’re by no means going to do it. You don’t belong on my degree. You bought right here as a result of there was nobody else.’ That will make the individuals hate him. That will make individuals run to help Dustin Poirier. That will additionally make individuals give it some thought extra, make individuals care extra, make individuals faucet into what they’ve occurring extra, and finally that’s what’s essential. Nothing else. What’s essential is individuals caring.”
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