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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Harry Davies

Dustin Poirier tells UFC to "stop playing around" as star struggles to secure fight

UFC star Dustin Poirier has vented his frustration after being able to book a fight.

Poirier hasn't competed in the UFC since losing out on the lightweight title to Charles Oliveira last December. 'The Diamond' is preparing for his welterweight debut and was linked to face Nate Diaz, but the promotion have moved on from the fight.

The former interim lightweight champion was asked by a fan when his next fight will take place, to which he replied: "When they [UFC] stop playing around".

There are several potential opponents for Poirier's return to the octagon, including former two-weight champion Conor McGregor. The pair have fought three times before, with their trilogy bout last July ending in controversy as McGregor broke his tibia.

Who should Dustin Poirier fight in his UFC return? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below

A fourth fight between the pair could be more likely after McGregor told Mirror Fighting his plans of fighting at welterweight in his return. Both of the fighters have been bulking up in size to prepare for fights at the weight class.

Replying to a fan who implied that the UFC are waiting to book a fourth fight between the rivals, Poirier said: "probably so". Whilst discussing the uncertainty of his future, he wrote: "I don't know what's going on. I haven't heard anything from anyone in the last 2 months."

"It's about holding these guys accountable, I didn't have to use Dustin's name. He used my name in interviews to add value to his fights, if he wouldn't have used my name I never would have talked about him," Covington told Submission Radio.

Dustin Poirier is struggling to book a fight (Zuffa LLC)

Another potential opponent for Poirier upon his return is former teammate Colby Covington. The pair have called each other out before and Covington said if Poirier wants to start a title run at 170-pounds that he needs to fight him first.

"His coaches are saying that he's going to better welterweight than he was lightweight, so why is he trying to pick on the guy in the corner that has a lisp, that's mentally handicapped and crippled. Nate Diaz shouldn't even be fighting anymore.

"If Dustin Poirier wants to pick on the crippled dude that has a lisp, Nate Diaz, why don't you come and fight the man? I'm the number one guy in the division. If you want the title, you've got to go through me. I am the title."

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