Dustin Poirier is a man on a mission to claim the UFC lightweight title. He can take another big step forward if he defeats Michael Johnson this Saturday night in Hidalgo, TX.Having won four-straight since moving up to 155 pounds, a win at UFC Fight Night 94 will put Poirier in the title picture with the elite in the division. Having played the role of the company man since his debut in 2011, the American Top Team fighter thinks It's about time he started making some demands."This is going to be my eighteenth fight--two in WEC and 15 already in UFC, all the time saying 'I'll fight whoever they want me to fight.' It's time to start making some demands and get a gold belt wrapped around my waist," Poirier told the UFC Unfiltered podcast . "We'll see what happens. I feel good and I've had a great camp. I'm going to go in there and put this guy away and then we will see what's next. I know I'm close--I'm getting real close."While Poirier remains focused on his own success, he acknowledges the bout as a prime opportunity for Johnson as well."On both of our part it's important," he said. "[Johnson] doesn't want to lose three in a row and he's fighting for his life. I don't want to lose to a guy that's lost two [in a row] so I'm fighting for my life coming off four wins. That's what makes fighting fun, though. I feel like the numbers next to our names--he's No. 5 and I'm No. 7--whatever we are going to be by the time fight night comes, it doesn't really matter, man."Styles make fights, and stylistically, this is going to be a fun fight for the fans for 25 minutes."Poirier's latest run at lightweight came after a defeat to Conor McGregor in the featherweight division back at UFC 178 in September 2014. Reflecting on the fight now, Poirier says it was big learning experience, mentioning that McGregor was the hardest hitter he's ever faced."In the Conor fight, I learned a lot in the buildup--about myself and the fight game through that experience," Poirier said. "I can't blame it on the weight or the talk. He hit me with a good shot, and then I tried to circle and plant my feet, but he hit me with another good shot and I went down."For sure, man [he's a heavy hitter]. I've had 33 fights and I got to say that, unless it was just the spot, the track record speaks for itself. He's the champ right now. He's got the hardest hands I've ever felt."One of Poirier's teammates, Robbie Lawler, last weekend pulled out of a high-profile fight with Donald Cerrone at UFC 205. Poirier confirmed Lawler would be riding with him to Texas this weekend and that he would know what is best for himself in regards to returning to action."Robbie is a buddy of mine, and I've learned a lot about training and resting and listening to my body from Robbie," Poirier said. "Robbie will be out there in Hidalgo with me. He will be in my corner Saturday night. The guy has been defending his belt and had some tough fights. I think jumping right back in there might be too soon, but he knows best."He's the guy that listens to his body really well and stuff like that. Physically, he's looking great. He's in the gym lifting weights and moving around. It's just a case of when he feels right again."