Dana White reveals UFC are on lookout for Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier backup

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The boss is actively weighing in the options for setting up a backup fighter for the trilogy bout between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier

McGregor and Poirier are set to face off at UFC 264 on the 10th of July. Their rivalry score currently stands at 1-1, after Poirier won the rematch at UFC 257, earlier this year.

The winner of this fight will get to fight Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title.

The recent development is that UFC President Dana White is on the lookout for a possible backup fighter for the marquee clash.

Dustin Poirier got a huge win over Conor McGregor at UFC 257
Dustin Poirier reacts after his knockout victory over Conor McGregor of Ireland in a lightweight fight during the UFC 257 event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 23, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

In an interview with Tom Taylor of Bleacher Report, White claimed that there was nothing wrong with the two fighters, and that he was just looking to make the card safe by getting a backup.

White said:

“I’m actually looking for someone right now to be the backup on that card. Nobody’s jumping out. Nobody’s kicking down my door.” [via Bleacher Report]

Poirier and McGregor have never had any trouble making weight. In fact the pair have never pulled out of a fight in the UFC.

Weighing in the possible options for a backup

White has a whole lot of fighters to chose a backup from. The first fighter he would be looking at is Justin Gaethje. Gaethje hasn’t fought since his fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254.

Justin Gaethje has Khabib Nurmagomedov in his sights
Justin Gaethje celebrates after defeating Tony Ferguson of the United States in their Interim lightweight title fight during UFC 249 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on May 09, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

A win for Gaethje might earn him another title shot as well, and he deserves every bit of it.

Another option might be Beneil Dariush who is the number 3 ranked lightweight contender. Though the Iranian has been asking for a title shot straight away, a fight against Poirier would be the key to what he desires.

Beneil Dariush
May 13, 2021, Houston, Texas, USA: HOUSTON – May 13, 2021: for SPORTS. UFC No. 9 Lightweight Beneil Dariush at an open-to-the-public press conference, Copyright: xTaidghxBarronx

Besides this there are a few others like Rafael dos Anjos, Islam Makhachev; but they are ranked much lower than Poirier.

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