‘See you in September’: Khabib awaits after Poirier sees off Holloway in slugfest

Khabib Nurmagomedov heaped praise on UFC rivals Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway after the pair put on a slugfest at UFC 236, which saw Poirier emerge the winner on the scorecards to set up a meeting with the undefeated Russian.

Poirier outpointed featherweight champion Holloway in a brutal back-and-forth in Atlanta, Georgia, running out a 49-46 winner on all three scorecards and claiming the interim lightweight title.

While Louisiana lightweight Poirier captured the first gold of his long career, it also paved the way for a shot at divisional king Nurmagomedov.

The Dagestani fighter is currently on an enforced hiatus from the octagon after his suspension for the mass melee that marred his win over Conor McGregor back in October, but is widely tipped to make a September comeback.

Poirier fired a warning to the Russian after his bruising win over Holloway, telling him: "In the words of my brother Daniel Cormier, get your sh*t together young man. We got a belt to fight for."

Nurmagomedov was quick to comment on the Poirier-Holloway fireworks, disagreeing with the scorecards but paying tribute to both – as well as telling Poirier he is all set for a September showdown.

UFC chief Dana White also after Saturday's fight at State Farm Arena that Khabib versus Poirier was the plan, "probably in September."

Poirier, 30, snapped striking sensation Holloway's 13-fight unbeaten streak as the Hawaiian paid the price for stepping up a weight in a quest for 'champ champ' status, having dominated at featherweight.

'Blessed' fell to the fourth defeat of his career and second loss to Poirier after 'The Diamond' beat him in 2012.

Poirier improved to 25-5 overall, but will likely face the sternest test of his career if, as expected, he meets the 27-0 Nurmagomedov later this year.