DUSTIN POIRIER will save the day at UFC 279. He will face Nate Diaz, the UFC's icon, on short notice.
UFC icon Diaz (37), has one fight left on his contract. He was scheduled to face up-and-coming star Chimaev (28), in Saturday's main show.
Dustin Poirier claims he can lose weight and fight Diaz in a matter of minutes
Charles Oliveira was the last to see The Diamond, but he won.
Tony Ferguson is the favourite to face Nate Diaz
Khamzat Chimaev lost seven-and-a half pounds
The future of Chimaev's fight against UFC icon Nate Diaz remains unknown
Chimaev, however, was seven-and-a half pounds heavier than the 171 welterweight limit.
The UFC is now looking for potential opponents to Diaz and are therefore exploring their options.
Dustin Poirier (33), has entered the fray to face Diaz in a short time.
Poirier was asked by a fan whether he could gain weight in time to fight. He later posted a photo with scales showing him at 176.7lbs.
Alan Jouban, a retired fighter in the UFC, tweeted: "Just trained @DustinPoirier.
"He's down to work and on weight with the @ufc. Even has wheels at his disposal. Give the man a chance. #UFC279."
Mike Thomas Brown claims Poirier and Co "waiting on the phone call from Vegas", and is accompanied by the hashtag PoiriervsDiaz.
Cole Shelton, a journalist, says Tony Ferguson, 38 is the favorite to take over.
The only speed bump that the two camps must overcome is the number of rounds they will be fighting.
Shelton tweeted: "One speed bump during the Diaz-Ferguson negotiation is the amount of rounds.
"Diaz's team wants it five, Ferguson was preparing to have three.
"Diaz's camp told me that they don't believe it will be a problem. UFC is exploring many options.
