Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier may serve as the de-facto title eliminator for the Lightweight Championship. While incumbent champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is yet to relinquish the strap, everyone has been waiting for an update on the title picture. McGregor vs Poirier for the title makes sense, but the UFC hasn’t added the belt to their bout.

Dan Hooker, who will be fighting Michael Chandler on the undercard, has explained why the fighters aren’t pushing for it. He told SCMP MMA that it all boils down to money.

“Because them boys getting paid. Them boys cutting a cheque. Dustin Poirier is cutting a check, Conor McGregor’s cutting a cheque.”

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Hooker then elaborated on the reality of getting paid in the fight world. “There are two ways you make any real money in this sport. Have that gold strap wrapped around your waist and get the PPV dollars or fight Conor McGregor? Those are the two ways you change your life in the game.”

Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier: Should it be for the belt?

Many reports have surfaced that suggest that the UFC is planning on making this a title bout. However, there is no clear reason as to what is holding that announcement up. A basic conclusion could be drawn by assuming that they will make this decision after the fight between McGregor and Poirier is done.

If Conor McGregor wins this fight, Dana White may be able to entice Khabib into defending his title one more time. A rematch with his biggest rival will sell even more than it did the first time around. However, defending the title against Poirier for a second time may not be as appealing to Khabib,

If McGregor wins, we may see a genuine title defense by Khabib against him. However, there is no concrete information on what the UFC is planning to do. Hopefully, we get more answers on January 23.