Dustin Poirier confirms stance on Ilia Topuria fight following ‘I love that dog’ call out from UFC champion

Dustin Poirier has ‘nothing but respect’ for UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.

In fact, ‘The Diamond’ even went so far as to label Topuria ‘a warrior’ in response to the Spaniard’s callout for a fight.

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Topuria made headlines on Thursday when he discussed Poirier as a suitable opponent for his next UFC fight, if he moves up to the lightweight division.

“Just imagine a fight between me and Dustin Poirier. I love that dog,” he said on the Full Send podcast.

Topuria is the current champion of the featherweight division, having defended the belt against Max Holloway in his last fight in October.

‘El Matador’ secured the 145-pound strap by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 eight months prior, and remains undefeated in 16 professional MMA bouts.

Topuria’s comments sparked fan discussions, as many asked the question of whether a clash with Poirier, who is retiring after his next fight, could be a realistic possibility.

Poirier appeared to confirm his stance on the potential blockbuster clash with the UFC champion.

“A warrior knows one when he sees one,” he wrote on X in response to a fan’s question about Topuria’s compliment. 

“Nothing but respect.”

Topuria was commenting on potential names that he could fight in the lightweight division, with several MMA fans believing he has the ability to become a two-division UFC champion by challenging lightweight Islam Makhachev.

UFC commentator Joe Rogan even called for that fight to be made during his UFC 312 reaction, saying he ‘hopes’ Topuria will move up to the 155-lb division.

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The 28-year-old would become just the fifth fighter in UFC history to achieve this feat should he beat Makhachev, following in the footsteps of names like Conor McGregor and Daniel Cormier whose legacies were cemented when they became two-time simultaneous champions.

“You’re going to have that guy in front of you fighting and trying to take your head off,” Topuria added, speaking on Poirier.

“That’s a very exciting fight for me and I think for the fans also.”

Poirier appeared on talkSPORT’s Drive in February ahead of Super Bowl LIX, which took place in his home state of New Orleans, Louisiana.

The 36-year-old is currently in negotiations with UFC President Dana White for his retirement fight, and revealed his final bout may happen as soon as this summer.

“My next fight will be my last fight,” he said, speaking about the remainder of 2025.

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“I’m going to put the gloves down and I’m just hoping I will be able to do that here in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

“You know, where I picked them up. I started fighting in Louisiana, I would love to retire here in Louisiana in the summer.

“Me and the UFC have been talking about this, they’re trying to get the state of Louisiana on board, New Orleans on board and we’re pushing for the summer so I really hope it comes together man.”

Although Poirier’s final UFC opponent has not been announced yet, it seems his response to Topuria’s offer was more of a ‘thanks but no thanks’ for now.

Topuria went on to confirm that a fight with Makhachev is ‘in the works’, while also mentioning Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje as worthy opponents.