Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Dustin Poirier has earned his right to unify the UFC lightweight title and is targeting a September clash to decide the undisputed champion.

Poirier’s (25-5 MMA, 17-4 UFC) unanimous decision victory over Max Holloway to claim the interim 155-pound belt at UFC 236 earlier this month set up a matchup with Nurmagomedov (27-0 MMA, 11-0 UFC), who is still sidelined after he was suspended for his role in the infamous UFC 229 brawl this past October after beating Conor McGregor.

“The Diamond” took the long road to get his spot against Nurmagomedov, fighting 22 times before getting the belt around his waist. Nurmagomedov clearly has respect for Poirier and said he will be prepared to fight once the details are finalized.

“I think it was very good performance from Dustin Poirier,” Nurmagomedov said on the UFC on ESPN+ 7 post-fight show on Saturday. “Honestly, before fight I think Holloway going to beat him. This is my prediction when you talk with friends, with father, with team, but he impressed me. Dustin has impressed me. I think he has very good boxing, much better than before. Every fight he becomes stronger, better in boxing on his feet. I think he deserve title shot. He already interim UFC lightweight champion, I am real lightweight champion. We have to fight. Now we’re working on this.”

Thus far, nobody has been able to solve the puzzle Nurmagomedov presents in MMA competition. His 27-fight winning streak is the longest of any fighter on the UFC roster, but Poirier said he believes his combination of “heart, grit and the right amount of crazy” gives him the recipe to take down “The Eagle.”

Nurmagomedov said nothing negative about his next opponent, but when the octagon door shuts on whichever night they meet, he intends on providing the same result as every other time he’s competed.

“He have very good background, he have good ground game – not bad – he have good striking game,” Nurmagomedov said. “I follow him long time and versus me – I think I have to maul him like I do with everybody. This is what I have to do. I respect him like fighter, like human, but when we go to the cage, I have to maul this guy. This is what I want, and right now I am focused on September. Five months before fight, and I think it’s going to be really good fight with him.”

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