Islam Makhachev (image via UFC/Twitter)

By FCF Staff

Islam Makhachev has been calling for a fight with Dustin Poirier this summer, and Daniel Cormier believes the UFC can’t lose if the promotion books the match-up.

Makhachev (25-1), who defended the lightweight crown in October by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski, recently proposed fighting Poirier (30-8) in June. Makhachev began campaigning for the fight following Poirier’s memorable, second round stoppage of Benoit Saint Denis earlier this month.

More recently, Cormier weighed-in on the proposed fight, via his YouTube channel. The legendary fighter believes the fight makes sense on several levels (quotes via MMA Junkie.com).

“This is a no-lose situation for the UFC,” Cormier said. “Islam wants to fight, so I think you’ve got to try and make that happen as soon as possible. It works. For Dustin Poirier, massive chance. For Islam Makhachev, another former champion you can put under your belt. That is storytelling.

“You can’t control the outcome, but you can put them in a position for someone to make magic and then you, as the company, capitalize on it. I love it. Book it right now, book it: Makhachev vs. Poirier. It will be a massive fight. It really will be the biggest fight that Islam Makhachev has ever had in terms of the box office.”

In recent weeks, there’s also been speculation that the UFC might tap Justin Gaethje for a title shot, if he defeats Max Holloway at UFC 300, April 13th. Gaethje knocked Poirier out last July, and has won two straight, heading into the Holloway fight.