UFC: Dustin Poirier targets a move up to the welterweight division

Dustin Poirier targets a move up to the welterweight division after winning the lightweight title as in-form UFC star insists he will NOT retire if he beats Charles Oliveira at UFC 269

  • Dustin Poirier is targeting a move up to the welterweight division after UFC 269 
  • The American, 32, takes on Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title next month 
  • If Poirier triumphs, he will consider a move up to the 170-pound division next
  • The Diamond also insisted that he will not retire after his fight in Las Vegas 


Dustin Poirier is eyeing a move up to the welterweight division if he defeats UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 269, the American star has revealed.

Poirier, 32, has enjoyed a sensational year inside the Octagon and enters his December 11 showdown with the Brazilian champion full of confidence after two wins over Conor McGregor.

The Diamond is the bookies’ favourite to win UFC gold next month in what would be the pinnacle of his decade-long career with the UFC. 

Dustin Poirier is eyeing a move up to the welterweight division should he win at UFC 269

Dustin Poirier is eyeing a move up to the welterweight division should he win at UFC 269

Oliveira currently holds the UFC lightweight title

Poirier is the favourite to win UFC gold next month

Charles Oliveira (L) and Poirier (R) have will meet at UFC 269 to fight for the lightweight title

However, the American has no plans to sail off into the sunset after UFC 269, and is open to exploring a host of opportunities including a move up to the 170-pound weight class.

‘No, I’m not retiring. I’m 32, man. I feel good. You see the way I’m moving out here today. I feel good. I’m having fun. If anything, I’ll go up. I’ll probably go to 170, if anything,’ Poirier told MMA Junkie. 

‘But no, honestly, my goal isn’t to try to have the most successful title defenses. I don’t know. 

Should he get his hand raised, Poirier says he will consider moving up to welterweight

Should he get his hand raised, Poirier says he will consider moving up to welterweight

‘We’ll see. One day at a time. I can’t look, none of that is even a reality until December 11th happens, and I get my hand raised. I have to do that first before we can even go into these conversations because I don’t know what’s next. 

‘I live my life one day at a time, man; a quarter-mile at a time.’

Poirier had previously told Sportsmail that winning the lightweight title would mean he has ‘done it all’ in mixed martial arts.

Poirier added he has no plans on retiring after UFC 269 with a fourth McGregor fight mooted

Poirier added he has no plans on retiring after UFC 269 with a fourth McGregor fight mooted

‘For me, being undisputed world champion was the goal from the beginning, if I can tick that box, I’ve done it all in the sport of mixed martial arts,’ he said. 

A fourth fight with McGregor may be on the cards next year. The Irishman tweeted this week that he will fight for the title once he returns from injury – despite being No 9 ranked and having lost his last three lightweight fights.

If Poirier holds the belt by the time McGregor recovers from his broken leg, his prediction may come to fruition with the Notorious still protesting the manner of Poirier’s victory at UFC 264. 

source: dailymail.co.uk