Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Dustin Poirier will beat Conor McGregor AND Charles Oliveira to develop into UFC light-weight champ

Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Dustin Poirier would be the subsequent UFC light-weight champion ‘throughout the 12 months’.

The Russian retired from combating after UFC 254 the place he choked out Justin Gaethje, sending the 155lbs division right into a free-for-all.

Poirier knocked out Conor McGregor at UFC 257 and was anticipated to problem for the vacant title, but as a substitute will combat ‘The Infamous’ for a 3rd time at UFC 264.

As a substitute, it was Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler who fought for the belt at UFC 262, ending in a stoppage victory for the Brazilian.

But the presence of the previous champion nonetheless looms giant over the division, with Khabib admitting he by no means noticed Chandler as a viable champion and recommended Oliveira for his win.

“He appears to have eight wins in a row,” Khabib instructed Sport 24. “So many early finishes.

“As I bear in mind, solely towards Tony Ferguson did he have a full combat. I feel Oliveira is a really worthy champion. Many finishes, many data within the UFC.

“It might be a disgrace if Michael Chandler gained. Two fights within the UFC and already a champion? That will someway be mistaken.

“And Charles Oliveira has progressed very a lot. This can be a worthy champion. I’m glad for him.”

But regardless of the success of newly topped champion Do Bronx, Khabib feels as if Poirier is the perfect light-weight on this planet and can show it within the not too distant future.

With protégé Islam Makhachev quickly rising up the ranks, ‘The Eagle’ believes Poirier will beat McGregor for a second time after which will maintain the belt by the point Makhachev reaches the head.

“However when Islam Makhachev rises within the rankings, Oliveira will now not be champion,” Khabib continued.

“The primary factor is that Oliveira ought to perceive my phrases accurately. I respect him, he’s a worthy champion.

“However when Islam will go up, there shall be one other champion throughout the 12 months. In my eyes it is going to be Dustin Poirier.”