‘We can make something happen’: Alex Volkanovski wants showdown fight with Dustin Poirier

Alex Volkanovski could tempt Dustin Poirier to postpone his retirement as plans are revealed for a huge comeback fight, while wait for a featherweight title rematch continues.

Alex Volkanovski is open to a lightweight title fight with Dustin Poirier. Picture: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Alex Volkanovski wants a lightweight blockbuster against Dustin Poirier while he waits for another shot at the featherweight belt.

Poirier lost an entertaining 155-pound title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 last weekend and has hinted at retirement.

But, as this masthead exclusively revealed last week, “The Diamond” would be tempted to keep fighting in a big-money, high-stakes scrap against Volkanovski.

And Volk, whose featherweight reign ended at the hands of Ilia Topuria in February, is keen to make it happen.

“I want to fight later in the year,” he said. “I don’t know exactly what’s happening and I don’t want to wait too long, either.

“If the timing works, maybe me and Dustin can have a good fight.

Poirier gave Islam Makhachev a good test at UFC 302. Picture: Luke Hales/Getty Images

“I know Dustin wants good, fun fights. We have a lot of respect for each other and that would be a massive fight.

“It’s something I’m willing to do while I’m waiting for that featherweight title.

“A lightweight fight against Dustin Poirier would be great. Maybe we can make something happen.”

Volk’s comments come as uncertainty continues to surround Topuria’s first featherweight title defence.

The Spaniard has been linked to fights against Volkanovski, Max Holloway and even Conor McGregor at venues in cities as far afield as Las Vegas, New York and Madrid.

Poirier hinted at his likely retirement following his fifth-round submission loss to Makhachev last weekend.

After three losses in his three lightweight title fights, Poirier doesn’t believe he can make another run at the title and doesn’t want to fight just for money.

Volk shocked the world by how well he did against Makhachev in their first fight. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

But a showdown between two UFC legends – which is what a Volkanovski-Poirier bout would be – could be enticing.

It would also pit against each other the only two fighters who have taken Makhachev to a fifth round.

In addition to Arman Tsarukyan, who lost a Fight of the Night three-rounder to Makhachev in 2019, no one has given the current lightweight champion more trouble than Volkanovski and Poirier.

“In terms of skill set, Volk is one of the best guys out there,” Poirier said.

“The way he’s built, his size and stature, it’s a tougher style of fight for someone who’s trying to wrestle a lot.

“He has shorter legs, a lower centre of gravity against the fence. He can get to his knees and stand up easier.

“I think that’s a tougher style for somebody like Islam.”

Asked whether he would fight Volkanovski, Poirier said he would consider postponing his retirement.

“Oh, of course,” Poirier said. “That would be huge. A huge fight.”

Originally published as ‘We can make something happen’: Alex Volkanovski wants showdown fight with Dustin Poirier