Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Dustin Poirier has done enough to hold the UFC lightweight title.

"Poirier deserves to be champion, that's my personal opinion," Nurmagomedov told Match TV, according to MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew. "Look at who he's fought: Jim Miller, Eddie Alvarez, Anthony Pettis, Max Holloway. He's fought me, Conor (McGregor) - these are all top fighters, maybe fighters who will end up in the UFC Hall of Fame."

Nurmagomedov is still the lightweight champion despite announcing his retirement in October. UFC president Dana White has urged him to return to the Octagon for one more fight, but the all-time great has remained adamant that he has no plans to compete.

Poirier has arguably emerged as the best lightweight since Nurmagomedov's retirement, finishing Conor McGregor at UFC 257 in January. He's ranked No. 1 in the division and is 7-1 (including one no-contest) in his past nine bouts, his only loss during that stretch coming against Nurmagomedov.

However, it doesn't appear to be a guarantee that Poirier's next fight will be for the title. "The Diamond" has expressed interest in a trilogy bout with McGregor and a clash with Nate Diaz.