With UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev not booked and keen to defend his title, an unexpected challenger could be next for him.

Dustin Poirier put himself back in the contender conversation this past Saturday when he knocked out Benoit Saint Denis in the second round of the UFC 299 co-main event. Shortly afterward, both Makhachev and his management team expressed a desire to face “The Diamond” next.

In a meritocracy, Poirier (30-8 MMA, 22-7 UFC) would not be next for Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC). The winner of the Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway fight for the BMF belt at UFC 300, as well as the winner of Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan on the same April 13 card in Las Vegas arguably have a stronger case.

Timing plays a massive role in the UFC schedule, however, and with Makhachev keen to return to the octagon in June, the situation could break in Poirier’s favor to get the fight. But is that fair or foul?

That was a topic of discussion on this week’s episode of “Spinning Back Clique” with Nolan King, Brian “Goze” Garcia and guest panelist “Big” John McCarty, who all joined host “Gorgeous” George Garcia to break down down the 155-pound title picture.

Watch the video segment above, or see this week’s complete episode of “Spinning Back Clique” below.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 299.