Poirier and McGregor (right) (image via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Some observers have questioned if Dustin Poirier should have pursued fighting for the UFC’s lightweight title next, rather than Conor McGregor for the third time. But, according to UFC President Dana White, Poirier made the right call in going for the trilogy fight.

Poirier avenged his 2014 loss to McGregor this past January, by stopping the star in the second round at UFC 257. Since Poirier is ranked #1 in the division, and because the now-former champ, Khabib Nurmagomedov retired, there was extensive speculation about whether he’d fight for the title next.

But, Poirier repeated his openness to face McGregor again, and ultimately the UFC booked Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler to fight for the vacant title, May 15th. While speaking to the media recently at the UFC 260 pre-fight presser, White had this to say about Poirier’s decision (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“Dustin – he wants the rematch and that’s smart. That’s what he should do,” White said. “He should take the rematch, take that fight. It’s a big fight for him. The kid has worked hard his whole life, his whole career, to be in a position like this – and that’s the fight you take.

“We’ve been in positions like this with others and they made the mistake of not taking that fight, and you know – biggest mistake of their lives.”

The date for Poirier – McGregor III has yet to be determined. But the expectation is the fight will take place sometime this summer.