Dustin Poirier stunned the MMA world at UFC 257 when he scored a second-round stoppage over Conor McGregor.
With the monumental victory, the world is now Poirier's oyster — considering it's a matter of when, not if, lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov relinquishes the belt following his retirement back at UFC 254.
McGregor's expressed interest in a trilogy against Poirier. Nate Diaz would finally like to get his hands on him after their scheduled clash at UFC 230 didn't occur due to Poirier having to bow out because of an injury. UFC president Dana White said he'd like to see Poirier and Michael Chandler lock horns for the vacant title. Chandler and Charles Oliveira have expressed their views on taking on Poirier to crown a new 155-pound titlist. "The Diamond" feels like Cinderella at the ball, with everyone wanting a crack at him.
"I've got a target on my back," Poirier told MMA Junkie. "(I'm a former) interim world champion, I just knocked out Conor McGregor, and now I'm No. 1 and the only person above me, (Khabib Nurmagomedov), might never fight again. People want to climb that ladder, and in order to do that, you've got to beat the guys at the top. You've got to beat the next guys in line, so I understand why the target is on my back, and I wear it proudly.
"I am the uncrowned lightweight champ. If Khabib's out, I am the best in the division. Former interim world champion, former title challenger. I just took out a two-division former world champion. I am the champ. I know that."
A fight against Chandler is something Poirier's dismissed entirely. He feels Chandler needs another win under his belt before getting the opportunity to battle for UFC gold. Poirier is intrigued by taking on Oliveira or stepping back in the Octagon once again with McGregor.
"I want to be the world champion, and Charles is a guy that's paid his dues," Poirier said. "He's earned where he's at, no doubt about it. Let him and Chandler fight for the belt. If they want Chandler in there for the title, and he's calling for the title, let them fight for the belt. I'll take a step back and just watch.
"It's tough to call. I don't know what they're saying behind closed doors. And I haven't been reached out yet by the UFC or by Conor's management about the trilogy fight. So I'm not sure what's going to happen. I haven't been reached out to the UFC about anything."
Until Poirier gets approached by the UFC for a possible fight, he's going to spend time with his loved ones.
"The future is bright, for sure," Poirier said. "I haven't even really thought about it that far. Might go on a snow trip with my wife and my daughter in a couple of weeks. That's what next."