Dustin Poirier (photo via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Dustin Poirier now holds the UFC’s interim lightweight title, and Khabib Nurmagomedov was very impressed with how the veteran secured the belt.

Poirier faced featherweight champ Max Holloway at UFC 236 earlier this month, and won the interim 155 belt by scoring a decision win. Recently Nurmagomedov spoke with ESPN at UFC St. Petersburg, and the lightweight champ had this to say about Poirier (quotes via Bloody Elbow):

“I think it was a very good performance from Dustin Poirier,” Khabib told Megan Olivi backstage at UFC St. Petersburg on Saturday. “Honestly, before the fight, I though Holloway was going to beat him. This was my prediction when I talked with friends, with my father, with my team. But he impressed me. Dustin impressed me.”

“I think he has very good boxing, much better than before. In every fight, he became stronger, better in boxing, on his feet, and I think he deserves a title shot.

“He’s the interim UFC lightweight champion, I’m the real lightweight champion, we have to fight,” he continued. “Now we’re working on this.”

The undefeated fighter, who also said he plans to “maul” Poirier, reported he’s targeting September for the bout.