White: Poirier-Chandler likely if Khabib vacates title
The state of the UFC's lightweight division is a bit clearer following Dustin Poirier's win over Conor McGregor.
UFC president Dana White said Poirier will most likely fight Michael Chandler for the vacant title if reigning champion Khabib Nurmagomedov officially gives up the belt.
Dana White also added that Poirier vs. Chandler for the title is the most likely scenario if Khabib vacates the title.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) January 24, 2021
Chandler, a former Bellator champion, finished No. 6-ranked lightweight Dan Hooker in his UFC debut during Saturday's co-main event.
White has been pushing Nurmagomedov to return to the Octagon ever since "The Eagle" announced his retirement last October after a win over Justin Gaethje. White met with Nurmagomedov last week and said the undefeated champion could come back if either lightweight bout at UFC 257 impressed him.
Nurmagomedov has maintained he's retired and isn't focused on taking another UFC fight in the near future.
White updated Nurmagomedov's status Saturday, saying "it doesn't sound very positive." The UFC executive added that he plans to talk to Nurmagomedov again and will no longer urge him to defend his 155-pound title if that's not what he desires.
Dana White: "I did talk to Khabib. And he said to me, 'Dana be honest with yourself. I'm so many levels above these guys, I beat these guys.' I don't know. But it doesn't sound very positive. We'll see.” #UFC257
— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) January 24, 2021
Dana White: "I'm gonna talk to Khabib and see if he wants to defend that title. And if he doesn’t, I won't push it anymore.” #UFC257
— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) January 24, 2021
Poirier, who's ranked No. 2 in the lightweight division, extended his winning streak to two with a second-round TKO victory over McGregor in the UFC 257 main event.