Dustin Poirier embodies what it means to be a fighter. The former interim lightweight champion has been with the UFC since 2011. “The Diamond” from Lafayette, Lousiana, is the perfect example of the saying, ‘It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.’ As such, even though he is an underdog going into the UFC 302 main event fight against Islam Makhachev, many fans hope for Poirier to become victorious in Newark, New Jersey.
Poirier is 30-8(1) in MMA, 22-7(1) in the UFC. He has the most knockout victories in the lightweight division, tied with Drew Dober. Moreover, with eight Fight of the Night bonuses, Poirier is only one behind Edson Barboza. The finishes and post-fight bonuses show the exciting fighting style of the American lightweight. However, he always faltered at the final step: against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242, against Charles Oliveira at UFC 269, and Justin Gaethje at UFC 290.
At UFC 242, Poirier had hurt Nurmagomedov on the feet, making the Russian take a step back. Moreover, he almost caught the Russian in a guillotine. At UFC 269, Poirier had hurt Oliveira on the feet but erred in when to and not to grapple. At UFC 291, Poirer had an impressive first round and looked in his rhythm in the second round before Gaethje knocked him out cold with a head kick.
It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish
Dustin Poirier has never had an impressive first impression. When he debuted at WEC, Poirier lost to Diego Castillo via unanimous decision. However, he announced his UFC debut in style with a decision victory over Josh Grispi, then number one contender at featherweight.
Poirier first high-profile matchup in the UFC was against Conor McGregor at UFC 178. He lost the fight via first-round finish. However, Poirier defeated McGregor via TKO (punches) in the rematch at UFC 257 and in the trilogy at UFC 264 via TKO (doctor stoppage). Poirier had significantly grown from when he was a featherweight, the first time he fought McGregor.
Dustin Poirier (Image via: Instagram, X)Eddie Alvarez was Poirier’s first opponent to showcase his growth. In the first fight at UFC 211, Poirer didn’t have a good fight, but the matchup fortunately ended in a No Contest due to a foul from Alvarez. In the rematch at UFC on Fox 30, Poirier won via second-round TKO. Before the rematch, Poirier had submitted Anthony Pettis, another ex-UFC champion.
Poirier’s first main event fight was against The Korean Zombie, which he lost via fourth-round submission at UFC on Fuel TV 3. He also lost his second main event fight against Michael Johnson. Since then, he has been at ten main events, nine straight. Poirier is 7-3 in that span, only losing to Gaethje, Oliveira, and Nurmagomedov.
All signs point to retirement at UFC 302
UFC 302 will likely be Dustin Poirier’s ‘Last Dance’. Poirier has shown he embodies the ‘Rocky Balboa’ mentality of reaching the pinnacle despite a rocky start. However, he likely loses to Islam Makhachev due to the stylistic disadvantage. Poirier has historically matched up worse against grapplers than strikers.
Poirier had contemplated retirement before he fought Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299. However, after he won, Poirier expressed interest in a title shot. Against Makhachev, he won’t likely win and would likely leave the gloves on the Octagon. As such, the career of one of the best lightweight fighters in the UFC will have ended.
Dustin Poirier (Image via: IMAGO, X)Poirier has clarified he won’t retire in an interview, but that might not be true. Noelle Parker, Poirier’s daughter, has never seen her father fight in person. She has been in locker rooms but never at the venue. She will be at the venue with her mother, Jolie Poirier, at UFC 302. It is likely a sign that Poirier has already decided what’s next for him.
Poirier now has business outside the UFC, which he has always brought up in interviews. Moreover, he also has charitable endeavors, which he plans to expand. Furthermore, Poirier mentioned in recent interviews that he had no interest in a fourth fight with Conor McGregor, the most lucrative fight available in MMA.
How will fight fans remember Dustin Poirier?
Dustin Poirier has already etched his name in the history books. Fight fans will forever remember him for the blood he shed inside the octagon. The combat sports community will surely remember him for the title fights he was part of and his rivalry with Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, and Justin Gaethje.
After UFC 302, Poirier would have fought three times for the undisputed titles. All three are among the best lightweights to ever compete in the UFC. Poirier had good moments in his first two title fights against Nurmagomedov and Oliveira. He will surely have his moments with Makhachev. Since he will likely retire, Poirer would likely showcase his best performance.
Dustin Poirier (Image via: IMAGO, X)Poirier and McGregor have fought each other inside the octagon more than anybody else. McGregor trails 1-2 in the rivalry. All three fights ended in a finish, and there is no way the fight fans will forget the fight. McGregor was the star in the first fight, while Poirier stole the show with his leg kicks in the second. The third fight ended unceremoniously due to Conor McGregor’s leg break.
Max Holloway’s UFC debut was against Poirer, losing via triangle armbar at UFC 143. However, they fought a rematch at UFC 236 for the interim lightweight title. Holloway was the featherweight champion at the time. Despite the obvious size and power discrepancy, Holloway lasted five rounds with Poirier in a fight in which both fighters showed the heart of the champion.
Poirier’s last defeat was at UFC 291 for the BMF title against Justin Gaethje in a rematch. Fight fans won’t forget it, as Gaethje scored the victory with a head kick. Nonetheless, Poirier had beaten Gaethje the first time they fought, via fourth-round TKO, at UFC on FOX 29. Gaethje had battered Poireir’s legs, but Poirier’s superior boxing bagged him a win.
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