Dustin Poirier believes he is a much better fight contender for Conor McGregor than Tony Ferguson as the Irishman plans his return to UFC.
McGregor claimed this week he has accepted a rematch with Poirier as he plans his return to MMA after retiring earlier this year.
The profits from the proposed fight is expected to go towards charity, though McGregor has insisted the fight must happen in 2020. Poirier has revealed how the Irishman can benefit from the fight apart from financially.
The American told the UFC podcast: ‘Look at it from his side, for sure there’s some upside there. Khabib said if him or Tony beat me that he would give them a shot at the title, so if that holds any weight, he’s looking at that.
‘I don’t know what his (McGregor’s) ambition is, I don’t know how hungry he is to be the UFC lightweight world champion. If it is, a fight with me makes a lot of sense to get the next title shot.’
Poirier and McGregor contested a Las Vegas in 2014 with the Irishman coming out on top via an opening round knockout.
McGregor has fought eight times since then, winning six and losing two, while he has also tried his hand at heavyweight boxing with a clash against Floyd Mayweather in 2017.
Another potential UFC challenge could be Tony Ferguson, who was beaten in his last contest by Justin Gaethje earlier this year.
Though Poirier, who beat Dan Hooker in June, believes he is in the much better form and would represent a better challenge.
He added: ‘He could push for a fight with Tony. That would be an exciting fight. I’m a fan of the sport, and I think that would be a good fight to watch, but Tony is coming off of a loss.
‘I just had the interim title; I’m No. 2 (in the UFC rankings). I’m coming off of a win, a “Fight of the Year” contender.
‘I think it makes more sense. Every fight is a chance or a risk, no matter how prepared you are.
‘If you’re gonna risk something, do it with the top guy and get a title shot.’
