Dustin Poirier is on the verge of becoming the UFC lightweight champion. The storied rivalry between Poirier and Conor McGregor remained a heated one. “The Diamond” has definitively closed that chapter once and for all ahead of his UFC 302 title fight against Islam Makhachev.
Dustin Poirier was asked about running it back with his bitter rival one more time. He bluntly stated in a recent interview that he wasn’t interested in one more showdown with McGregor. This is despite their wildly lucrative trilogy generating massive pay-per-view sales. Poirier’s focus remains on things he has yet to accomplish.
I think that ship has sailed. All I want is the UFC lightweight championship. I don’t feel the need to fight [Conor] again at all. I don’t need that [bad] energy in my life.
Dustin Poirier via ESPN MMA
The elite fighter seemed to have gained perspective on what’s truly important at this stage of his Hall of Fame-worthy career. Chasing another massive Conor McGregor payday apparently pales in comparison to capturing a world title. At 35 years old and a longtime UFC stalwart, perhaps he’s simply seeking more inner peace.
Dustin Poirier says the “ship has sailed” on a Conor McGregor rematch:
“I think that ship has sailed. All I want is the UFC lightweight championship.
I don’t feel the need to fight [Conor] again at all. I don’t need that [bad] energy in my life.”
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Poirier still oozes supreme self-belief ahead of facing Makhachev. He recently stated that he would knock Makhachev out unconscious.”The Diamond” had also hinted that he may still attempt his trademark guillotine choke against Makhachev. This is the last chance for Poirier to get that title. It may be the last time he walks in the octagon as well.
Dustin Poirier thanks 2021 fight for improving his UFC stardom
Dustin Poirier is known for his exciting fights in the octagon. But he wasn’t always this popular in the MMA circles. One particular victory stands out as the pivotal fight that truly catapulted him into the upper echelon of MMA stardom. The marquee win he cited was his epic revenge rematch against Conor McGregor at UFC 257.
Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 (via CNN)Poirier admitted that avenging his 2014 loss to McGregor by knocking out the brash Irishman was a monumental career milestone. “The Diamond” didn’t mince words when assessing the spotlight that victory shined on him.
Maybe knocking out Conor [McGregor] was a big deal in growing my star power.
Dustin Poirier via Yahoo Sports
The emotional win over MMA’s biggest draw exponentially expanded his name recognition and brand. It’s undeniable that becoming the first fighter to stop Conor McGregor via strikes resonated thunderously. This abruptly silenced MMA’s most notorious trash talker instantly and thrust Poirier into a new stratosphere of fame.
