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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Harry Davies

Khabib Nurmagomedov wants to sign Dustin Poirier to his MMA promotion

Khabib Nurmagomedov wants to sign old foe Dustin Poirier to his MMA promotion Eagle FC after the American's recent loss.

Poirier fell short in his second shot at the UFC lightweight title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 269, being choked out by the Brazilian.

'The Diamond' fought Nurmagomedov in 2019 in his first title shot, suffering the same fate as he did last weekend when he was submitted in the third round.

Poirier signed an eight-fight deal with the UFC before his rematch with Conor McGregor in January, meaning he has five fights left on his current contract.

And Nurmagomedov - who hosts his first event with Eagle FC on January 28 - has opened the door for Poirier to sign with his promotion.

Khabib Nurmagomedov fought Dustin Poirier in 2019 (GETTY)

"Just call me, I'm gonna sign Dustin Poirier in Eagle FC, 165," he told ESPN.

"Dustin, he can fight in 170, it's a little hard to 155 of course he always [makes it], but it's going to be good for him, 165.

"If UFC release him, Khabib is here always with Eagle FC, we're gonna sign him and make some charity stuff together. Let's go Dustin, just call me, you know my manager's number."

Nurmagomedov officially retired from MMA in March and has since turned to coaching fighters whilst also launching Eagle FC.

The promotion will feature the addition of a 165-pound weight class, something that has been called for in the UFC but president Dana White stated they "didn't need" in 2019.

Poirier has pondered retirement since his loss to Oliveira but has also verbally agreed to a fight with Nate Diaz at 170-pounds.

The former interim titleholder admitted that despite making the 155-pound limit easily, the weight cuts have become more difficult in the past few years.

Should Dustin Poirier sign for Eagle FC? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below

And Nurmagomedov backed Poirier to beat Oliveira but thinks it's clear the Brazilian is one of the best fighters on the UFC roster.

"Honestly, I was thinking Dustin was gonna win, but Charles did a very good job to give him pressure since the fight began," he continued.

"Right now, this is Charles' time. He impressed me and I really believe he is one of the best fighters in the world right now."

Nurmagomedov claims the UFC has offered his protege Islam Makhahev the next title shot - after Justin Gaethje - if the Russian can beat Beneil Dariush in February,

"It's gonna be very interesting fight if next Charles and Islam win and they fight end of next year, it's gonna be a bit like Tony Ferguson vs Khabib," he continued.

"I really want both of them to win and they fight. But I just wanna give everybody advice, please don't forget about Justin Gaethje, this guy is very good."

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